Peter Clavelle ran as an independent candidate, with the support of the Progressive Coalition, and defeated Democratic nominee Nancy Chioffi.

[6][7] Rick Sharp, who had previous run unsuccessful campaigns for city council and state senate, announced on November 21, 1988, that he would seek the Democratic nomination for mayor.

[8][9] Bill Aswad, a member of the city council from the 4th district, announced on November 25, that he would seek the Democratic nomination.

[15] Gene Bergman, the chair of the coalition, stated that he believed the choices at the caucus would be Leopold, Bouricius, and Clavelle.

[19] Bouricius gave a speech at the caucus giving his support to Clavelle while Leopold refused to endorse any candidate in the election.

[25] Theodore Riehle, a Republican who had served as president of the city council, stated that Green would not run if Aswad won the Democratic nomination.

[31] Michael Hackett, a teacher who had unsuccessfully run for United States Senate, mayor as the Neutral Party nominee in 1985, and school board, ran for mayor as the Tax Revolt candidate and called for a twenty percent decrease in property taxes.

[35][36] The Champlain Valley National Organization for Women was critical of Chioffi in their endorsement of Clavelle stating that her positions on the Equal Rights Amendment and gay rights were weak and that Chioffi was "a disappointment" according to Terry Ramsey, the president of the Champlain Valley National Organization for Women.