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 rolesGeorge MitchellMaineDeputy president pro temporeDaniel InouyeHawaiiSecretary of the Senate Democratic CaucusChair of the Senate Intelligence CommitteeJ. Bennett JohnstonLouisianaNone
Results
CandidateVotesPercentGeorge Mitchell27Daniel Inouye14J. Bennett Johnston14Total:55100%Source:
References