1976Final results
1976 election for President in California
President · California
Gerald Ford (R) won with 49.7% of the vote, defeating Jimmy Carter (D) by 1.8 points.
Gerald FordRepublican · winner
49.7%3,882,244
Jimmy CarterDemocrat
48.0%3,742,284
Roger MacbrideIndependent
0.7%56,388
Lester MaddoxAmerican Independent
0.7%51,098
Margaret WrightPeace and Freedom
0.5%41,731
Peter CamejoIndependent
0.2%17,259
Gus HallIndependent
0.2%12,766
7,803,770 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
Gerald Ford (R)Jimmy Carter (D)
Also on the ballot: Roger Macbride (Independent), 0.7%; Lester Maddox (American Independent), 0.7%; Margaret Wright (Peace and Freedom), 0.5%; Peter Camejo (Independent), 0.2%; Gus Hall (Independent), 0.2%