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The 1996 United States Senate election in Iowa was held on November 5, 1996. Incumbent Democratic United States Senator Tom Harkin sought re-election to a third term in the United States Senate, and he was challenged by United States Congressman Jim Ross Lightfoot from Iowa's 3rd congressional district. Lightfoot had won the Republican primary against two opponents, while Harkin had won his primary uncontested, so both moved on to the general election, where they engaged in a toughly-fought campaign. Ultimately, Harkin was successful in his bid, and defeated Lightfoot, albeit by the thinnest margin of his career.