1988 United States Senate election in Nebraska

1988 United States Senate election in Nebraska

November 8, 1988
 
Nominee Bob Kerrey David Karnes
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 378,717 278,250
Percentage 56.71% 41.66%

County results
Kerrey:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Karnes:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Tie:      40–50%

U.S. senator before election

David Karnes
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Bob Kerrey
Democratic

The 1988 United States Senate election in Nebraska was held on November 8, 1988 to select the U.S. Senator from the state. Incumbent Republican Senator David Karnes, who was appointed to the Senate in 1987 upon the death of Democratic Senator Edward Zorinsky, sought election to his first full term. After beating back a challenge from Congressman Hal Daub in the Republican primary, Karnes advanced to the general election, where he faced former Governor Bob Kerrey, the Democratic nominee. Though Vice President George H. W. Bush, the Republican nominee for President, won Nebraska in a landslide, Karnes was ultimately defeated by Kerrey by a wide margin. This is the last time a Senator from Nebraska lost re-election.