A general election was held in the U.S. state of Kentucky on November 5, 1996. The primary election for all offices was held on May 28, 1996.
Kentucky had 8 electoral votes in the Electoral College. Democratic president Bill Clinton won with 46 percent of the vote.
Incumbent senator Mitch McConnell won reelection, defeating Democratic challenger Steve Beshear.
Kentucky has six congressional districts, electing five Republicans and one Democrat.
The Kentucky Senate consists of 38 members. In 1996, half of the chamber (all odd-numbered districts) was up for election. Democrats maintained their majority, losing one seat; however, a coalition of 5 Democrats and 18 Republicans formed to control the chamber.
All 100 seats in the Kentucky House of Representatives were up for election in 1996. Democrats maintained their majority, gaining one seat.
The Kentucky Supreme Court consists of seven justices elected in non-partisan elections to staggered eight-year terms. District 7 was up for election in 1996. Special elections were held in districts 2 and 4.
Each incorporated city elected its council members to a two-year term.
Local school board members are elected to staggered four-year terms, with half up for election in 1996.