1996 California State Senate election

1996 California State Senate election

November 5, 1996 (1996-11-05)

20 seats from odd-numbered districts in the California State Senate
21 seats needed for a majority
  Majority party Minority party
 
Leader Bill Lockyer Rob Hurtt
Party Democratic Republican
Leader's seat 10th–Hayward 34th–Garden Grove
Seats before 21 17
Seats after 23 16
Seat change 2 1
Popular vote 2,599,659 2,521,858
Percentage 49.32% 47.85%

Results:
     Democratic gain      Republican gain
     Democratic hold      Republican hold
     No election held

President pro tempore before election

Bill Lockyer
Democratic

President pro tempore-designate

Bill Lockyer
Democratic

The 1996 California State Senate elections were held on November 5, 1996. Senate seats of odd-numbered districts were up for election. Senate terms are staggered so that half the membership is elected every two years. Senators serve four-year terms and are limited to two terms. Democrats expanded their majority, gaining two seats, one from the Republicans and one from an Independent.