text: Below is an context that describes a sql query, paired with an question that provides further information. Write an answer that appropriately completes the request.  # noqa: E501
  ### Context:
  CREATE TABLE table_19753079_12 (candidates VARCHAR, first_elected VARCHAR)
  ### Question:
  How many different pairs of candidates were there for the district first elected in 1988?
  ### Answer:
  SELECT COUNT(candidates) FROM table_19753079_12 WHERE first_elected = 1988