1988 Illinois's 21st congressional district special election

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1988 Illinois's 21st congressional district special election
← 1986 August 9, 1988 1988 →
  Jerry F. Costello, 109th Congressional photo portrait.jpg Robert H. 'Bob' Gaffner.jpg
Nominee Jerry Costello Robert Gaffner
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 33,144 31,257
Percentage 51.46% 48.53%
Representative before election

Melvin Price

 Elected Representative


Jerry Costello

A special election to the United States House of Representatives for Illinois's 21st congressional district was held August 9, 1988.

The winning candidate would serve briefly in the United States House of Representatives to represent Illinois in the 100th Congress until the General election on November 8, 1988.

Background[]

On April 22, 1988, Incumbent U.S. Representative Melvin Price died of cancer after 22 terms.[1] A special election was held to fill the vacancy caused by his death.

Democratic Primary[]

Candidates[]

Nominee[]

Eliminated in Primary[]

  • Pete Fields, former Madison County Auditor and candidate for this seat in 1986
  • Mike Mansfield, political activist
  • Steve Maragides, political activist

Results[]

Democratic primary results[2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Jeremy Costello 35,279 46.23%
Democratic Pete Fields 20,500 26.87%
Democratic Mike Mansfield 19,223 25.19%
Democratic Steve Maragides 1,305 1.71%
Total votes 76,307 100.00%

Republican Primary[]

Candidates[]

Nominee[]

Results[]

Republican primary results[3]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Robert Gaffner 16,334 100.00%
Total votes 16,334 100.00%

General election[]

1988 Illinois's 21st congressional district special election[4]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Jerry Costello 33,144 51.46% +1.10%
Republican Robert Gaffner 31,257 48.53% +1.11%
Independent Write-In 1 0.00% 0.00%
Majority 1,887 2.93% +2.21%
Turnout 64,402 100.00%
Democratic hold

See also[]

  • United States House of Representatives elections, 1984
  • United States House of Representatives elections, 1986

References[]

  1. ^ Jesus Rangel (April 23, 1988). "Representative Melvin Price, 83, Is Dead of Cancer After 22 Terms". New York Times.
  2. ^ "IL District 21-D Primary". Retrieved June 18, 2021.
  3. ^ "IL District 21-R Primary". Retrieved June 18, 2021.
  4. ^ "IL District 21 - Special Election". Our Campaigns. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
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