1796 Virginia gubernatorial election

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 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.