1976Final results
1976 election for Michigan's 16th District
U.S. House · Michigan
John D. Dingell (D) won with 75.9% of the vote, defeating William E. Rostron (R) by 53.2 points.
John D. DingellDemocrat · winner
75.9%121,682
William E. RostronRepublican
22.7%36,378
Slayter Buck MillerAmerican Independent
0.6%1,009
Samuel S. HancockLibertarian
0.3%484
Susann L. DaltoOther party
0.3%463
Don BechlerSocialist Workers
0.2%328
160,344 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
John D. Dingell (D)William E. Rostron (R)
Also on the ballot: Slayter Buck Miller (American Independent), 0.6%; Samuel S. Hancock (Libertarian), 0.3%; Susann L. Dalto (Other party), 0.3%; Don Bechler (Socialist Workers), 0.2%