Video: 'Election Night 1988 CNN News Coverage'

(Tuesday, November 8, 1988, during the United States presidential election, 1988) — Republican U.S. Vice President George H. W. Bush of Texas was elected President of the United States today, defeating Democratic Governor Michael Dukakis of Massachusetts.

Bush and his running mate, U.S. Senator Dan Quayle of Indiana, defeated Dukakis and his running mate, U.S. Senator Lloyd Bentsen of Texas, 53.37-45.65% in the national popular vote, which would result in a 426-111 victory in the Electoral College.

Video: '1988 Presidential Election Returns, Nov 8, 1988'

Bush became the first sitting vice president to be elected president since Martin Van Buren in 1836.

The 1988 election is the only election since 1948 in which either major party won a third straight presidential election.

Video: 'The American Presidential Election of 1988'

Incumbent President Ronald Reagan was ineligible to seek a third term, due to term limits established by the 22nd Amendment.

Bush and Quayle would be sworn in for four-year terms on January 20, 1989.