1996Final results
1996 election for Vermont Governor
Governor · Vermont
Howard Dean (D) won with 70.7% of the vote, defeating John L. Gropper (R) by 48.2 points.
Howard DeanDemocrat · winner
70.7%179,544
John L. GropperRepublican
22.5%57,161
Mary Alice HerbertLiberty Union
1.6%4,156
Dennis LaneGreen
1.4%3,667
Bill BrunelleNo Labels
1.3%3,342
August St. JohnIndependent
1.3%3,201
Neil RandallLibertarian
1.1%2,916
253,987 votes
Source: English WikipediaUpdated Oct 5, 2026, 4:05 AM ET
The seat over time
D − R margin in this seat's races around 1996
Races before and after
Source: English WikipediaUpdated Oct 5, 2026, 4:05 AM ET
The candidates
Howard Dean (D)John L. Gropper (R)
Also on the ballot: Mary Alice Herbert (Liberty Union), 1.6%; Dennis Lane (Green), 1.4%; Bill Brunelle (No Labels), 1.3%; August St. John (Independent), 1.3%; Neil Randall (Libertarian), 1.1%