The 1996 United States House of Representatives elections in Texas occurred on November 5, 1996, to elect the members of the state of Texas's delegation to the United States House of Representatives. Texas had thirty seats in the House, apportioned according to the 1990 United States census.
Texas underwent mid-decade redistricting as a result of the Supreme Court case Bush v. Vera. The court had ruled that districts such as District 18 and District 30 were racially gerrymandered.[1] A prior district court decision had voided the results of the primary elections in 13 districts, which the Supreme Court upheld. These districts instead conducted special elections concurrent with the general elections.[2][3]
Texas Democrats maintained their majority in Texas' congressional delegation, albeit reduced by two seats from 1994. These elections produced an unusually high level of turnover due to the retirements of several representatives.[3]
Incumbent Republican Sam Johnson ran for re-election. The 3rd district was among thirteen districts holding a special election on November 5, the same day as the general election. The race pitted all certified candidates against one another in each district, regardless of party.
Incumbent Democrat John Wiley Bryant retired to run for U.S. Senator.[7] The 5th district was among thirteen districts holding a special election on November 5, the same day as the general election. The race pitted all certified candidates against one another in each district, regardless of party.
Incumbent Republican Joe Barton ran for re-election. The 6th district was among thirteen districts holding a special election on November 5, the same day as the general election. The race pitted all certified candidates against one another in each district, regardless of party.
Incumbent Republican Bill Archer ran for re-election. The 7th district was among thirteen districts holding a special election on November 5, the same day as the general election. The race pitted all certified candidates against one another in each district, regardless of party.
Incumbent Republican Jack Fields opted to retire rather than run for re-election.[8] The 8th district was among thirteen districts holding a special election on November 5, the same day as the general election. The race pitted all certified candidates against one another in each district, regardless of party.
Incumbent Republican Steve Stockman ran for re-election. The 9th district was among thirteen districts holding a special election on November 5, the same day as the general election. The race pitted all certified candidates against one another in each district, regardless of party.
No candidate received a majority of the vote, so a runoff was held on December 10. Stockman lost reelection by 5.66% to Democratic challenger Nick Lampson.
Texas's 9th congressional district runoff, 1996[6]
Incumbent Democrat Greg Laughlin switched his party affiliation to the Republican Party on June 26, 1995.[10] He was defeated in the Republican Primary by former U.S. Representative Ron Paul.[11]
Incumbent Democrat Sheila Jackson Lee ran for re-election. The 18th district was among thirteen districts holding a special election on November 5, the same day as the general election. The race pitted all certified candidates against one another in each district, regardless of party.
Incumbent Republican Tom DeLay ran for re-election. The 22nd district was among thirteen districts holding a special election on November 5, the same day as the general election. The race pitted all certified candidates against one another in each district, regardless of party.
Incumbent Democrat Martin Frost ran for re-election. The 24th district was among thirteen districts holding a special election on November 5, the same day as the general election. The race pitted all certified candidates against one another in each district, regardless of party.
Incumbent Democrat Ken Bentsen ran for re-election. The 25th district was among thirteen districts holding a special election on November 5, the same day as the general election. The race pitted all certified candidates against one another in each district, regardless of party.
Incumbent Republican Dick Armey ran for re-election. The 26th district was among thirteen districts holding a special election on November 5, the same day as the general election. The race pitted all certified candidates against one another in each district, regardless of party.
Incumbent Democrat Gene Green ran for re-election. The 29th district was among thirteen districts holding a special election on November 5, the same day as the general election. The race pitted all certified candidates against one another in each district, regardless of party.
Incumbent Democrat Eddie Bernice Johnson ran for re-election. The 30th district was among thirteen districts holding a special election on November 5, the same day as the general election. The race pitted all certified candidates against one another in each district, regardless of party.