The Springfield Mayoral Election of 1988 was likely the election of "Former-Mayor." He defeated Joe Quimby in his first bid for reelection. Quimby had been elected on Mary Bailey's coattails as she left office to pursue the governorship. Quimby's corrupt and ineffective government caused his loss. The election of a (presumed) republican in a predominantly Democratic constituency meant that the results of this election were likely very close. This conservative government would not last long, as Quimby would later regain the office.