A gubernatorial election was held in Virginia on November 25 and December 6, 1796. The member of the Council of State James Wood defeated the member of the Virginia House of Delegates from Botetourt County Thomas Madison.
The Democratic-Republican incumbent governor of Virginia Robert Brooke retired in order to seek election as attorney general of Virginia. The election was conducted by the Virginia General Assembly in joint session. The former governor Patrick Henry defeated Wood on the first ballot, but declined to serve. The General Assembly met again on December 6 and elected Wood with a majority on the second ballot.
General election + 1796 Virginia gubernatorial election Candidate First ballot Second ballot Count Percent Count Percent Patrick Henry 94 55.62 Declined James Wood 75 44.38 115 66.09 Thomas Madisoncolspan=2 56 32.18 Beverley Randolphcolspan=2 2 1.15 William Clarkecolspan=2 1 0.57
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