Seven seats (the four at-large members, and districts 1, 8, and 9) had also been contested in the preliminary election held on September 22, 1987.
Councillors Dapper O'Neil, Christopher A. Iannella, and Michael J. McCormack were re-elected.
Councillor Joseph M. Tierney did not seek re-election, as he ran for Mayor of Boston; he was defeated by incumbent Raymond Flynn in the general election.
Rosaria Salerno won the final at-large seat.
Councillor Brian J. McLaughlin was re-elected, with his narrow victory confirmed by a recount.