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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. The contest effectively sidelined Democratic nominee J. J. Nygaard, and the contest between Nye and Langer devolved into sharp disagreements about the United States's foreign affairs. 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.
Democratic primary
Candidates
- J. J. Nygaard, 1936 Democratic congressional candidate
- Halvor L. Halvorson, perennial candidate
- B. A. Johansson
Results
| 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
Candidates
- Gerald Nye, incumbent U.S. Senator
- William Langer, Governor of North Dakota
Results
| 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
Results
| 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
- ^ "Langer Announces Independent Race for U.S. Senator". Bismarck Tribune. Bismarck, N.D. September 29, 1938. p. 1. Retrieved June 19, 2021.
- "Watching the Political Parade". Bismarck Tribune. Bismarck, N.D. October 26, 1938. p. 1. Retrieved June 19, 2021.
- ^ "Primary Election 06-28-1938" (PDF). Secretary of State of North Dakota. Retrieved June 19, 2021.
- "General Election 11-08-1938" (PDF). Secretary of State of North Dakota. Retrieved June 19, 2021.