1976Final results
1976 election for North Carolina's 5th District
U.S. House · North Carolina
Stephen Neal (D) won with 54.2% of the vote, defeating Wilmer "vinegar Bend" Mizell (R) by 8.6 points.
Stephen NealDemocrat · winner
54.2%98,789
Wilmer "vinegar Bend" MizellRepublican
45.6%83,129
Geoffrey M. HooksOther party
0.1%246
182,164 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
Stephen Neal (D)Wilmer "vinegar Bend" Mizell (R)
Also on the ballot: Geoffrey M. Hooks (Other party), 0.1%