1996 Kentucky U.S. Senate Election

Kentucky · 5 candidates · See every 1996 U.S. Senate race

Who won the 1996 Kentucky U.S. Senate Election?

Mitch McConnell won the 1996 Kentucky U.S. Senate Election. Mitch McConnell received 724,794 popular votes (55.45%). The main challenger was Steven L. Beshear (42.85%).

See the full head-to-head between McConnell and Beshear

McConnell +12.6 pts · won by 164,782 votes

Mitch McConnell RepublicanWINNER55.45%

724,794 votes

Steven L. Beshear Democratic42.85%

560,012 votes

Dennis L. LacyLibertarian0.66%

8,595 votes

Patricia Jo MettenNatural Law0.64%

8,344 votes

Mac McElroyU.s. Taxpayers0.4%

5,284 votes

Popular-vote totals for U.S. Senate elections come from the MIT Election Data and Science Lab (1976–2024).

Data last verified July 28, 2026.