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Presidential election

1996 presidential election

Bill Clinton defeated Bob Dole, winning 379 of 538 electoral votes and 49.2% of the popular vote.

November 5, 1996

Bill Clinton

Democratic

Bill Clinton won the 1996 presidential election with 379 of 538 electoral votes, and 49.2% of the popular vote. Running mate: Al Gore.

379
of 538 electoral votes
49.2%
popular vote
49%
turnout

Results

Vote breakdown
Bill ClintonDemocratic
49.2%(47.4M votes)
379 EV
Bob DoleRepublican
40.7%(39.2M votes)
159 EV
Ross PerotReform
8.4%(8.1M votes)
0 EV
Voter turnout

49%

Turnout rate

96.5M

Total votes cast

196.0M

Eligible voters

State results
StateElectoral votesWinnerMargin
California(CA)54
DemocraticClinton
+13.1%
New York(NY)33
DemocraticClinton
+28.9%
Texas(TX)32
RepublicanDole
+4.9%
Florida(FL)25
DemocraticClinton
+5.7%
Pennsylvania(PA)23
DemocraticClinton
+9.2%
Swing states
Florida
Flipped
Electoral votes:25
Margin:5.7%
Previous:Bush
Arizona
Flipped
Electoral votes:8
Margin:2.2%
Previous:Bush

Candidates

Bill Clinton
Winner

Party

Democratic

Running mate

Al Gore

Home state

Arkansas

Age at election

50

Previous position

42nd President of the United States (Incumbent)

Campaign slogan

"Building a Bridge to the 21st Century"

Popular vote

47.4M

(49.2%)

Electoral votes

379

Bob Dole

Party

Republican

Running mate

Jack Kemp

Home state

Kansas

Age at election

73

Previous position

U.S. Senator from Kansas

Popular vote

39.2M

(40.7%)

Electoral votes

159

Ross Perot

Party

Reform

Running mate

Pat Choate

Home state

Texas

Age at election

66

Previous position

Business executive

Popular vote

8.1M

(8.4%)

Electoral votes

0

Voting demographics

Women

Clinton

54%

Hispanic Voters

Clinton

72%

African Americans

Clinton

84%

Key events

Campaign timeline
moderate
August 1996

Welfare Reform Signed

Clinton signed Republican welfare bill, triangulating

major
1996

Strong Economy

Dot-com boom, low unemployment, balanced budget approaching

Presidential debates

Issues & context

Key campaign issues
Economy (Prosperity)
Welfare Reform
Crime (Crime Bill)
Medicare
Character Issues
Historical context

Clinton easily reelected amid prosperity. Dole was WWII hero but seemed old. Perot's second run less impactful. Triangulation strategy worked. Monica Lewinsky scandal would follow.

Economic conditions

Strong growth. Low unemployment. Stock market booming. Balanced budget approaching. 'Peace and prosperity' era.

Incumbent factors

Clinton benefited from good economy. Character concerns didn't stick. Dole couldn't find winning message. Perot vote halved from 1992.

Legacy and impact

Clinton's second term marred by Lewinsky scandal and impeachment. Dot-com boom continued. Set stage for 2000's controversies.

Did you know?

  • 1.Lowest turnout (49%) since 1924
  • 2.Dole fell off stage during campaign event
  • 3.Perot excluded from debates, vote halved
  • 4.First Democrat reelected since FDR
  • 5.Monica Lewinsky scandal broke next year
Explore more

2000 Election

View the next presidential election

1992 Election

View the previous presidential election

Compare This Election

See how this election compares to others

Electoral College Map

Interactive visualization of electoral results

Swing State Analysis

Which states were battlegrounds?

This site explains the structure and history of U.S. federal elections and is not an official government resource. All data shown is for educational purposes only.