1996Final results
1996 election for Vermont's at-large District
U.S. House · Vermont
Bernard Sanders (Ind) won with 55.2% of the vote, defeating Susan W. Sweetser (R) by 22.6 points.
Bernard SandersIndependent · winner
55.2%140,678
Susan W. SweetserRepublican
32.6%83,021
Jack LongDemocrat
9.4%23,830
Thomas J. MorseLibertarian
1.1%2,693
Peter DiamondstoneLiberty Union
0.8%1,965
Robert MelamedeOther party
0.5%1,350
Norio KushiNatural Law
0.3%812
254,706 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.
Jack LongSusan W. Sweetser
$8.5K
Raised by the campaign
$573K
$8.5K
Spent by the campaign
$572K
$0
Cash on hand
$958
Other candidates' campaigns: Bernard Sanders $1M · Thomas J. Morse $8K.
Campaign money: FEC, through Dec 31, 1996.
Source: FEC campaign filingsUpdated Dec 31, 1996
The candidates
Bernard Sanders (I)Susan W. Sweetser (R)Jack Long (D)
Also on the ballot: Thomas J. Morse (Libertarian), 1.1%; Peter Diamondstone (Liberty Union), 0.8%; Robert Melamede (Other party), 0.5%; Norio Kushi (Natural Law), 0.3%