United States Senate election in Maine, 1996

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United States Senate election in Maine, 1996

← 1990 November 5, 1996 2002 →
  Sen Susan Collins official.jpg JosephBrennan.jpg
Nominee Susan Collins Joseph E. Brennan
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 298,422 266,226
Percentage 49.18% 43.88%

Mainegovelection1990.png
County results

U.S. senator before election

William Cohen
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Susan Collins
Republican

The 1996 United States Senate election in Maine was held November 5, 1996. Incumbent Republican United States Senator William Cohen decided to retire instead of seeking a fourth term. To replace him, United States Congressman and former Governor of Maine Joseph E. Brennan won the Democratic primary while political consultant and 1994 nominee for Governor of Maine Susan Collins won the Republican primary. A competitive general election ensued, but Collins ultimately won out over Brennan, keeping the seat in the Republican column.

Democratic primary

Candidates

Results

Democratic primary results[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Joseph Brennan 48,335 56.68
Democratic Sean Faircloth 21,204 24.87
Democratic Richard A. Spencer 10,236 12.00
Democratic Jean Hay Bright 4,524 5.31
Democratic Jerald Leonard 939 1.10
Democratic Write-ins 35 0.04
Total votes 85,273 100.00

Republican primary

Candidates

Results

Republican primary results[2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Susan Collins 53,339 55.50
Republican W. John Hathaway 29,792 31.00
Republican Robert A. G. Monks 12,943 13.47
Republican Write-ins 33 0.03
Total votes 96,107 100.00

General election

Results

United States Senate election in Maine, 1996[3]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Susan Collins 298,422 49.18% -12.16%
Democratic Joseph E. Brennan 266,226 43.88% +5.24%
Independent John C. Rensenbrink 23,441 3.86%
Constitution William P. Clarke 18,618 3.07%
Write-ins 70 0.01%
Majority 32,196 5.31% -17.39%
Turnout 606,777
Republican hold Swing

References

See also