1928 Minnesota gubernatorial election

1928 Minnesota gubernatorial election

November 6, 1928
 
Nominee Theodore Christianson Ernest Lundeen Andrew Nelson
Party Republican Farmer–Labor Democratic
Popular vote 549,857 227,193 213,734
Percentage 55.00% 22.72% 21.38%

County results
Christianson:      30–40%      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Lundeen:      40–50%
Nelson:      40–50%

Governor before election

Theodore Christianson
Republican

Elected Governor

Theodore Christianson
Republican

The 1928 Minnesota gubernatorial election took place on November 6, 1928. Republican Party of Minnesota candidate Theodore Christianson defeated Farmer–Labor Party challenger Ernest Lundeen.

Republican Primary

Christianson launched his bid for a third term very early, in January of 1928.[1] The Primary was held on June 18, 1928. Christianson's only opposition was former State Attorney General George T. Simpson. Christianson was renominated with a landslide 77.55% of the vote to Simpson's 22.45%.[2]

Farmer-Labor Primary

Lundeen would narrowly win the primary over Dr. Louis A. Fritsche, with 53.11% to Fritsche's 46.89%.[3] Lundeen was the first gubernatorial candidate to campaign over the radio for a primary election.[4]

Candidates

  • Andrew Nelson, Former Assistant State Superintendent of Public Instruction (Democratic)
  • Ernest Lundeen, Former Member of the U.S. House of Representatives (Farmer-Labor)
  • Harris A. Brandborg, Farmer (Industrial)
  • J.O. Bentall, former state Secretary of the Illinois Socialist Party (Socialist)
  • Theodore Christianson, Incumbent (Republican)

Campaigns

Christianson was the first gubernatorial candidate to begin campaigning over the radio for the general election.[5] In late September, rumors began to circulate that Lundeen would drop out of the race, potentially in favor of Nelson. Lundeen denied these rumors and continued his campaign.[6] On October 20, 1928, Lundeen's keynote speech had to be delayed after his campaign car skidded off a road near Hinckley and two tired exploded. Lundeen was uninjured.[7]

Results

1928 Gubernatorial Election, Minnesota
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Theodore Christianson (incumbent) 549,857 55.00% −1.49%
Farmer–Labor Ernest Lundeen 227,193 22.72% −15.36%
Democratic Andrew Nelson 213,734 21.38% +15.95%
Workers Communist J. O. Bentall 5,760 0.58% n/a
Industrial Harris A. Brandborg 3,279 0.33% n/a
Majority 322,664 32.27%
Turnout 999,823
Republican hold Swing

See also

References

  1. ^ "Governorship and Senatorship". January 28, 1928.
  2. ^ "Governor, 1928 Election".
  3. ^ "Governor, 1928 Election".
  4. ^ "LUNDEEN TO RADIO TALK". May 29, 1928.
  5. ^ "Radio Schedule Of Christianson And Nelson Out". September 30, 1928.
  6. ^ "LUNDEEN TO QUIT GOVERNOR RACE, lb MACKENZIE SAYS". September 26, 1928.
  7. ^ "TIRES BLOW UP LUNDEEN TALK AT MILL CITY". October 21, 1928.