George H.W. Bush was elected as the 41st President of the United States in the year 1988. He won the presidential election held on November 8, 1988, defeating the Democratic nominee Michael Dukakis. Bush served as President from January 20, 1989, to January 20, 1993. He previously held various prominent positions in government, including Vice President under President Ronald Reagan from 1981 to 1989.