1996 Pennsylvania State Treasurer election

The 1996 Pennsylvania State Treasurer election was held on November 5, 1996 in order to elect the Treasurer of Pennsylvania. Incumbent treasurer Catherine Baker Knoll was term-limited, leaving an open race. Knoll's daughter, Mina Baker Knoll, won the Democratic nomination but was defeated in the general election by Republican State Auditor Barbara Hafer.
The race was noted for the bitterness between the candidates. Hafer questioned Knoll's residency because she had been living in New York City and Knoll attacked Hafer's leadership as auditor general. The enmity would result in Catherine Baker Knoll challenging Hafer for treasurer in 2000.

Democratic primary

Candidates

Mina Baker Knoll, accountant and daughter of incumbent treasurer Catherine Baker Knoll
Franklin Kury, former member of the Pennsylvania State Senate and State House of Representatives
Richard J. Orloski

Republican primary

Barbara Hafer, incumbent Auditor General of Pennsylvania, ran unopposed in the primary.

General election

On election day, Republican nominee Barbara Hafer won the election by a margin of 88,468 votes against her foremost opponent, Democratic nominee Mina Baker Knoll, thereby gaining control of the office for the Republicans.