1988 Senate Democratic Caucus leadership election

October 2026 1988 Senate Democratic Caucus leadership election United States presidential no 1986 Senate Democratic Caucus leadership election 1986 1990 Senate Democratic Caucus leadership election 1990 November 29, 1988 George John Mitchell (cropped).jpg 160x160px George Mitchell 0044c9 File:Daniel Inouye official photo (cropped 2).jpg 160x160px Daniel Inouye 0044c9 File:Senator J. Bennett Johnston.jpg 160x160px J. Bennett Johnston 0044c9 Leader Robert Byrd George Mitchell Members' 27 14 14 Maine Hawaii Louisiana 49.09% 25.45% 25.45% Seal of the United States Senate.svg The 1988 Senate Democratic Caucus leadership election was held on November 29, 1988, to elect the leader of the Senate Democratic Caucus. Incumbent Robert Byrd chose to retire as caucus leader. Senator George Mitchell of Maine won a plurality of the votes in the first round against Secretary of the Senate Democratic Caucus Daniel Inouye of Hawaii and Senator J. Bennett Johnston of Louisiana who tied. Inouye and Johnston withdrew afterwards, allowing Mitchell to be elected by acclamation. Candidates The following candidates declared their intent to run. CandidateStateOther Senate roles125pxGeorge MitchellMaine(Served since 1980)Deputy president pro tempore(Since 1987)125pxDaniel InouyeHawaii(Served since 1963)Secretary of the Senate Democratic Caucus(Since 1977)Chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee(1976–1978)125pxJ. Bennett JohnstonLouisiana(Served since 1972)None Results CandidateVotesPercentGeorge Mitchell2727 55Daniel Inouye1414 55J. Bennett Johnston1414 55Total:55100%Source:https://www.nytimes.com/1988/11/30/us/mitchell-of-maine-is-chosen-to-lead-senate-democrats.html MITCHELL OF MAINE IS CHOSEN TO LEAD SENATE DEMOCRATS The New York Times November 30, 1988 September 19, 2026 https://web.archive.org/web/20150525094356/https://www.nytimes.com/1988/11/30/us/mitchell-of-maine-is-chosen-to-lead-senate-democrats.html May 25, 2015 References * Senate Democratic Caucus leadership election Senate Category:100th United States Congress Category:101st United States Congress