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.

Quick Facts Nominee, Party ...

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 65,612 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

Close