The 1996 California State Senate elections were held on November 5, 1996. Senate seats of odd-numbered districts were up for election. Senate terms are staggered so that half the membership is elected every two years. Senators serve four-year terms and are limited to two terms. Democrats expanded their majority, gaining two seats, one from the Republicans and one from an Independent.

The 1994 California State Senate elections were held on November 8, 1994. Senate seats of even-numbered districts were up for election. Senate terms are staggered so that half the membership is elected every two years. Senators serve four-year terms and are limited to two terms. The Democrats lost two seats to the Republicans, but maintained a majority in the Senate.