The 1988 United States Senate election in Florida was held on November 8, 1988. Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Lawton Chiles decided to retire instead of seeking a fourth term. Republican Connie Mack III won the open seat, becoming the first Republican to hold this seat since Reconstruction in 1875.
Chiles would later run successfully for Governor of Florida in 1990 and 1994.
Democratic primary
Incumbent U.S. Senator Lawton Chiles announced in December 1987, that he would not seek reelection.
Former Governor Reubin Askew announced his candidacy and was regarded as a likely nominee, but withdrew stating that he was tired of campaigning and did not like fundraising.
Candidates
- Bill Gunter, Florida State Treasurer
- Pat Frank, State Senator from Tampa
- Claude R. Kirk Jr., former Republican Governor
- Buddy MacKay, U.S. Representative from Ocala
- Dan Mica, U.S. Representative from Lake Worth
Republican primary
In 1987, U.S. Representative Connie Mack III announced his campaign for the Republican nomination. Robert Merkle, a former U.S. Attorney, was Mack's only opposition in the Republican primary.
Candidates
- Connie Mack III, U.S. Representative from Cape Coral
- Robert Merkle, former U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida
Speculated
- Jeb Bush, Secretary of Commerce of Florida (1987–1988)
- Paula Hawkins, former U.S. Senator (1981–1987)
- Bill McCollum, member of the United States House of Representatives from Florida's 5th congressional district
General election
Candidates
- Connie Mack III, U.S. Representative (Republican)
- Buddy MacKay, U.S. Representative (Democratic)
Campaign
This senate election was heavily targeted by both parties. U.S. Representative Mack announced his candidacy back in October 1987. President Ronald Reagan endorsed Mack in June 1988 to allow Mack to focus on the general election, as he easily won the September 6 Republican primary against U.S. Attorney Robert Merkle. In May 1988, MacKay announced he would run for the open seat, and defeated Insurance Commissioner Bill Gunter in a close October 4 runoff primary election.
The general election became very nasty. MacKay tried to portray the Republican as "extremist." Mack attacked his opponent in television ads by connecting him to unpopular Massachusetts Governor and presidential candidate Michael Dukakis. Mack had help from vice presidential candidate Dan Quayle. He also ran ten-second television advertisements that said "Hey Buddy, you're a liberal," a charge MacKay could never escape. The election was so close there was a recount until MacKay conceded eight days after election day.
Endorsements
List of Buddy MacKay endorsements