1996Final results
1996 election for U.S. Senate in Kentucky
U.S. Senate · Kentucky
Mitch McConnell (R) won with 55.5% of the vote, defeating Steven L. Beshear (D) by 12.6 points.
Mitch McConnellRepublican · winner
55.5%724,794
Steven L. BeshearDemocrat
42.8%560,012
Dennis L. LacyLibertarian
0.7%8,595
Patricia Jo MettenNatural Law
0.6%8,344
Mac McElroyConstitution
0.4%5,284
1,307,046 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.
Steven L. BeshearMitch McConnell
$1.8M
Raised by the campaign
$3.8M
$1.8M
Spent by the campaign
$4.7M
$1.4K
Cash on hand
$189.3K
Campaign money: FEC, through Dec 31, 1996.
Source: FEC campaign filingsUpdated Dec 31, 1996
The candidates
Mitch McConnell (R)Steven L. Beshear (D)
Also on the ballot: Dennis L. Lacy (Libertarian), 0.7%; Patricia Jo Metten (Natural Law), 0.6%; Mac McElroy (Constitution), 0.4%