The 1988 United States Senate election in Wyoming was held on November 8, 1988. Incumbent Republican Senator Malcolm Wallop ran for re-election to a third term. He was opposed by Democratic State Senator John Vinich in the general election. Despite Wallop's past strong performances in 1976 and 1982, and the overwhelming Republican majority in Wyoming in the presidential election, Wallop faced a surprisingly competitive race. He ended up defeating Vinich by less than 1%, by a margin of just 1,322 votes. As of 2023^[update], this remains the strongest performance by a Democratic U.S. Senate nominee in Wyoming since 1970, the last time a Democrat won a Senate election in the state.This is also the closest US Senate race in Wyoming history.

Quick Facts Nominee, Party ...

1988 United States Senate election in Wyoming

← 1982 November 8, 1988 1994 →

Nominee Malcolm Wallop John Vinich Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 91,143 89,821 Percentage 50.37% 49.63%

County results Wallop:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80% Vinich:      50–60%      60–70%

U.S. senator before election Malcolm Wallop Republican Elected U.S. Senator Malcolm Wallop Republican

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