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