1796 South Carolina gubernatorial election

The 1796 South Carolina gubernatorial election was held on 4 December 1796 in order to elect the Governor of South Carolina. Democratic-Republican candidate and former Governor Charles Pinckney was elected by the South Carolina General Assembly against Independent candidate and former Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina Henry Laurens.

General election
On election day, 4 December 1796, Democratic-Republican candidate and former Governor Charles Pinckney was elected by the South Carolina General Assembly by a margin of 34 votes against his opponent Independent candidate Henry Laurens, thereby gaining Democratic-Republican control over the office of Governor. Pinckney was sworn in for his third overall term on 8 December 1796.