1996Final results
1996 election for California's 5th District
U.S. House · California
Robert Matsui (D) won with 70.4% of the vote, defeating Robert S. Dinsmore (R) by 44.3 points.
Robert MatsuiDemocrat · winner
70.4%142,618
Robert S. DinsmoreRepublican
26.1%52,940
Joseph B. MillerLibertarian
1.3%2,548
Gordon MorsAmerican Independent
1.1%2,231
Charles KerseyNatural Law
1.0%2,123
202,460 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 1996
Races before and after
Source: MIT Election Data and Science LabUpdated Sep 30, 2026, 7:25 AM ET
Money in this race
Each line compares the two campaigns on one scale.
Robert MatsuiRobert S. Dinsmore
$663.6K
Raised by the campaign
$32K
$814.9K
Spent by the campaign
$32.6K
$145.1K
Cash on hand
$120
Campaign money: FEC, through Dec 31, 1996.
Source: FEC campaign filingsUpdated Dec 31, 1996
The candidates
Robert Matsui (D)Robert S. Dinsmore (R)
Also on the ballot: Joseph B. Miller (Libertarian), 1.3%; Gordon Mors (American Independent), 1.1%; Charles Kersey (Natural Law), 1.0%