In 1996 , Kerry faced a difficult re-election fight against Governor William Weld , a popular Republican incumbent who had been re-elected in 1994 with 71 % of the vote . The race was covered nationwide as one of the most closely watched Senate races that year . Kerry and Weld held several debates and negotiated a campaign spending cap of $ 6.9 million at Kerry 's Beacon Hill townhouse . Both candidates spent more than the cap , with each camp accusing the other of being first to break the agreement . During the campaign , Kerry spoke briefly at the 1996 Democratic National Convention . Kerry won re-election with 52 percent to Weld 's 45 percent
1996 Democratic National Convention
1996 Democratic National Convention
John Kerry