The 1988 United States Senate elections was an election for the United States Senate. Held on November 8, the 33 seats of Class 1 were contested in regular elections. In spite of the Republican victory by George H. W. Bush in the presidential election, the Democrats gained a net of one seat in the Senate. Seven seats changed parties, with four incumbents being defeated. The Democratic majority in the Senate increased by one to 55–to–45. This is the last Senate election in which California voted for a Republican and both Texas and Maine voted for Democrats, and the last time Arizona would do so until 2018. This would also be the last Senate election until 1998 to not have at least one special election during that cycle. Results summary Summary of the 1988 United States Senate election results Source: Gains and losses The Democrats captured four Republican seats: one open and three defeated incumbents, which were partially offset by the Republican capture of two open seats and the defeat of one Democratic incumbent. Democratic gains Connecticut: Democratic attorney general Joe Lieberman narrowly defeated incumbent Lowell P. Weicker, Jr. (R) in his bid for a fourth term. A liberal in an increasingly conservative party, Weicker found himself at odds with his fellow Republicans. This rift would lead many conservatives (such as National Review editor William F. Buckley, Jr.) to endorse Lieberman, a moderate Democrat. Nebraska: Incumbent David Karnes (R) lost by a large margin to former governor Bob Kerrey (D). Karnes had been appointed to the Senate following the death of Sen. Edward Zorinsky (D) and, though he survived a tough primary challenge from Rep. Hal Daub (R), he proved no match for the popular Kerrey in the general election. Nevada: Incumbent Chic Hecht (R) was narrowly defeated by Governor Richard Bryan (D). Hecht had been considered vulnerable for his undistinguished record and a series of verbal gaffes. Virginia: Incumbent Paul S. Trible, Jr. (R) retired rather than run a contentious re-election race against former governor Chuck Robb (D). Robb would instead face Republican Maurice Dawkins, a black minister, and defeat him in a landslide. Republican gains Florida: Incumbent Lawton Chiles (D) retired rather than run for a fourth term. Congressman Connie Mack III (R) overcame some concerns about his very conservative House record to defeat Rep. Buddy MacKay (D). Mississippi: Incumbent and Senate President pro tempore John C. Stennis (D)