Incumbent Democratic Senator Brock Adams chose not to run for re-election to a second term after eight different women made allegations that he had engaged in various acts of sexual misconduct, including harassment and rape.

[1] Adams denied the allegations, but his popularity statewide was weakened considerably by them, and he chose to retire rather than risk costing the party his seat.

State Senator Patty Murray defeated Republican U.S. Representative Rod Chandler in the race to succeed Adams.

Chandler seemed to have the upper hand in one of the debates until, for some unknown reason, he quoted the Roger Miller song "Dang Me.

"[2] He was further damaged by the unpopularity of President George H. W. Bush in the Pacific Northwest.