1938 United States Senate election in North Dakota

The 1938 United States Senate election in North Dakota took place on November 8, 1938. Incumbent Republican Senator Gerald Nye ran for re-election to his third term. He faced a strong challenge in the Republican primary from colorful Governor William Langer, but narrowly won renomination. Langer subsequently ran as an independent against Nye in the general election, and won the endorsement of the Nonpartisan League.[1] The contest effectively sidelined Democratic nominee J. J. Nygaard,[2] and the contest between Nye and Langer devolved into sharp disagreements about the United States's foreign affairs.[1] Nye ultimately defeated Langer by a wide margin—winning 50% of the vote to Langer's 43%—but significantly reduced from his 1932 and 1926 landslides.

1938 United States Senate election in North Dakota

← 1932 November 8, 1938 1944 →
 
Nominee Gerald Nye William Langer J. J. Nygaard
Party Republican Independent Democratic
Popular vote 131,907 112,007 19,244
Percentage 50.12% 42.56% 7.31%

County results
Nye:      40-50%      50-60%      60-70%
Langer:      40-50%      50-60%      60-70%

U.S. senator before election

Gerald Nye
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Gerald Nye
Republican

Democratic primary

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Candidates

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  • J. J. Nygaard, 1936 Democratic congressional candidate
  • Halvor L. Halvorson, perennial candidate
  • B. A. Johansson

Results

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Democratic primary[3]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic J. J. Nygaard 27,981 72.00%
Democratic Halvor L. Halvorson 8,335 21.45%
Democratic B. A. Johansson 2,545 6.55%
Total votes 38,861 100.00%

Republican primary

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Candidates

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Results

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Republican primary[3]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Gerald Nye (inc.) 91,510 51.45%
Republican William Langer 86,359 48.55%
Total votes 177,869 100.00%

General election

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Results

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1938 United States Senate election in North Dakota[4]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Gerald Nye (inc.) 131,907 50.12% −22.18%
Independent William Langer 112,007 42.56%
Democratic J. J. Nygaard 19,244 7.31% −20.14%
Majority 19,900 7.56% −37.29%
Turnout 263,158
Republican hold

References

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  1. ^ a b "Langer Announces Independent Race for U.S. Senator". Bismarck Tribune. Bismarck, N.D. September 29, 1938. p. 1. Retrieved June 19, 2021.
  2. ^ "Watching the Political Parade". Bismarck Tribune. Bismarck, N.D. October 26, 1938. p. 1. Retrieved June 19, 2021.
  3. ^ a b "Primary Election 06-28-1938" (PDF). Secretary of State of North Dakota. Retrieved June 19, 2021.
  4. ^ "General Election 11-08-1938" (PDF). Secretary of State of North Dakota. Retrieved June 19, 2021.