Latter-day Saints in U.S. Elections

A number of Latter-day Saints ran for election or reelection during the recent United States elections held 5 November 1996.

In a close Senate race that absentee ballots helped decide, Gordon Smith (Republican) was elected to represent the state of Oregon. Three Church members whose terms did not end in 1996 continue to serve in the Senate: Robert Bennett (R–Utah), Orrin Hatch (R–Utah), and Harry Reid (Democrat–Nevada).

In the House of Representatives, two Latter-day Saints were newly elected: Chris Cannon (R–Utah) and Merrill Cook (R–Utah). Also, eight Latter-day Saint incumbents were reelected: Michael Crapo (R–Idaho), John Doolittle (R–California), James Hansen (R–Utah), Wally Herger (R–California), Ernest Istook (R–Oklahoma), Howard (Buck) Mckeon (R–California), Ron Packard (R–California), and Matt Salmon (R–Arizona). Eni Faleomavaega (D) was reelected as a congressional delegate from American Samoa.

One Latter-day Saint congressman was unseated: Bill Orton (D–Utah). Three Latter-day Saints were unsuccessful in election bids: George Landrith (R–Virginia), Ronna Romney (R–Michigan), and Dick Swett (D–New Hampshire).