1996Final results
1996 election for President in California
President · California
Bill Clinton (D) won with 51.1% of the vote, defeating Robert Dole (R) by 12.9 points.
Bill ClintonDemocrat · winner
51.1%5,119,835
Robert DoleRepublican
38.2%3,828,381
Ross PerotReform
7.0%697,847
Ralph NaderGreen
2.4%237,016
Harry BrowneLibertarian
0.7%73,600
Marsha FeinlandPeace and Freedom
0.3%25,332
Howard PhillipsAmerican Independent
0.2%21,202
John HagelinNatural Law
0.2%15,403
10,019,469 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
The candidates
Bill Clinton (D)Robert Dole (R)Ross Perot (REF)
Also on the ballot: Ralph Nader (Green), 2.4%; Harry Browne (Libertarian), 0.7%; Marsha Feinland (Peace and Freedom), 0.3%; Howard Phillips (American Independent), 0.2%; John Hagelin (Natural Law), 0.2%