He beat Republican John W. Sears in the general election, after defeating incumbent Governor Edward J.

This election notably saw the Dukakis-Kerry ticket for governor and lt. governor, a gubernatorial ticket made up of the future 1988 and 2004 Democratic nominees for President of the United States, who both lost to Bush family members, George H.W.

Republican candidate Andrew Card also went on to serve in key roles in both Bush administrations, as White House Deputy Chief of Staff, Transportation Secretary, and White House Chief of Staff.

Former Navy Lieutenant and anti-war activist John Kerry won a five-way contest for the Democratic nomination.

Michael Dukakis won the election with 57.9% of the vote, winning every county in the state - 13 with a majority, and one (Barnstable) with a plurality.