1976Final results
1976 election for California's 6th District
U.S. House · California
Phillip Burton (D) won with 66.1% of the vote, defeating Tom Spinosa (R) by 39.1 points.
Phillip BurtonDemocrat · winner
66.1%86,493
Tom SpinosaRepublican
27.0%35,359
Emily SiegelPeace and Freedom
5.0%6,570
Raymond O. HeapsAmerican Independent
1.9%2,494
130,916 votes
Source: MIT Election Data and Science LabUpdated Sep 30, 2026, 7:25 AM ET
The seat over time
D − R margin in this seat's races around 1976
Races before and after
Source: MIT Election Data and Science LabUpdated Sep 30, 2026, 7:25 AM ET
The candidates
Phillip Burton (D)Tom Spinosa (R)Emily Siegel (PF)
Also on the ballot: Raymond O. Heaps (American Independent), 1.9%