Elections were held in North Carolina on November 5, 1996, to elect the Council of State. All the races were won by Democrats. All were incumbents except for Elaine Marshall, who won the post of Secretary of State, and Michael E. Ward, who was elected Superintendent of Public Instruction. Both Marshall and Ward succeeded fellow Democrats.
As of 2024, this is the last election where Democrats held all council offices.
Governor
The 1996 North Carolina gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 1996. The general election was fought between the Democratic nominee, incumbent Governor Jim Hunt and the Republican nominee, state representative Robin Hayes. Hunt won by 56% to 43%, winning his fourth term as governor.
Lieutenant Governor
Attorney General
State Auditor
Commissioner of Agriculture
Commissioner of Insurance
Commissioner of Labor
Secretary of State
Superintendent of Public Instruction
State Treasurer
See also 1996 North Carolina gubernatorial election 1996 North Carolina lieutenant gubernatorial election 1996 North Carolina Secretary of State election
Footnotes