1976Final results
1976 election for Minnesota's 5th District
U.S. House · Minnesota
Donald M. Fraser (D) won with 70.7% of the vote, defeating Richard M. Erdall (R) by 44.7 points.
Donald M. FraserDemocrat · winner
70.7%138,213
Richard M. ErdallRepublican
26.0%50,764
Jack O. KirkhamOther party
1.6%3,189
Chris FrankSocialist Workers
0.9%1,824
Franklin H. HawsLibertarian
0.5%1,070
Jean T. BrustOther party
0.3%536
195,596 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
Donald M. Fraser (D)Richard M. Erdall (R)
Also on the ballot: Jack O. Kirkham (Other party), 1.6%; Chris Frank (Socialist Workers), 0.9%; Franklin H. Haws (Libertarian), 0.5%; Jean T. Brust (Other party), 0.3%