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20 seats from odd-numbered districts in the California State Senate 21 seats needed for a majority | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 Results: Democratic gain Republican gain Democratic hold Republican hold No election held | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Elections in California |
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The 1996 California State Senate elections were held on November 5, 1996. Senate seats of odd-numbered districts were up for election. Senate terms are staggered so that half the membership is elected every two years. Senators serve four-year terms and are limited to two terms. Democrats expanded their majority, gaining two seats, one from the Republicans and one from an Independent.