1976Final results
1976 election for Michigan's 5th District
U.S. House · Michigan
Harold S. Sawyer (R) won with 53.3% of the vote, defeating Richard F. Vander Veen (D) by 7.1 points.
Harold S. SawyerRepublican · winner
53.3%109,589
Richard F. Vander VeenDemocrat
46.2%94,973
Joe BermanLibertarian
0.2%477
Gary D. PowellOther party
0.2%399
205,438 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
Harold S. Sawyer (R)Richard F. Vander Veen (D)
Also on the ballot: Joe Berman (Libertarian), 0.2%; Gary D. Powell (Other party), 0.2%