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List of governors of North Dakota

{{Short description|None}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}

File:Flag of the Governor of North Dakota.svg]]

The governor of North Dakota is the head of government of the U.S. state of North Dakota. The governor is the head of the executive branch of North Dakota's state government and is charged with enforcing state laws.

There have been 32 governors since North Dakota became a state, serving 33 distinct terms, with William Langer having been elected to multiple terms. The current officeholder is Republican Kelly Armstrong.

Governors

{{for|governors before statehood|List of governors of Dakota Territory}}

Dakota Territory was organized on March 2, 1861;{{usstat|12|239}} on November 2, 1889, it was split into the states of North Dakota and South Dakota.{{usstat|25|676}}

The Constitution of North Dakota originally provided for the election of a governor and lieutenant governor every two years, which was changed to four years in 1964.{{Cite web |title=North Dakota State and County Official Term Lengths, Initiative 5 (1964) |url=https://ballotpedia.org/North_Dakota_State_and_County_Official_Term_Lengths,_Initiative_5_(1964) |access-date=May 30, 2023}} A limit of two terms was added in 2023.{{Cite web |title=North Dakota Constitutional Measure 1, Term Limits for Governor and State Legislators Initiative (2022) |url=https://ballotpedia.org/North_Dakota_Constitutional_Measure_1,_Term_Limits_for_Governor_and_State_Legislators_Initiative_(2022) |access-date=May 30, 2023}} The governor and lieutenant governor are elected together on a ticket,ND Const. art. V, § 3 and should the office of governor become vacant, the lieutenant governor becomes governor.ND Const. art. V, § 11 The term of office begins on the December 15 following the election.ND Const. art. V, § 5

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class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible sticky-header-multi" style="text-align:center;"

|+ Governors of the State of North Dakota

!scope="col" data-sort-type="number"|{{abbr|No.|Number}}

!scope="colgroup" colspan="4"|Governor

!scope="col"|Term in office

!scope="col"|Party

!scope="col"|Election

!scope="colgroup" colspan="3"|Lt. Governor{{efn|Lieutenant governors represented the same party as their governor unless noted.}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|1

|data-sort-value="Miller, John"|75px

|rowspan="2" colspan="2" style="background: {{party color|Republican Party (United States)}};"| 

|John Miller
{{small|(1843–1908)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=1171}}{{Cite web |title=John Miller |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/john-miller/ |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|November 20, 1889}}{{Cite news |date=1889-11-22 |title=The Legislature |page=8 |work=Bismarck Weekly Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/bismarck-weekly-tribune-miller-takes-off/125587779/ |access-date=2023-05-30}}
–
January 7, 1891
{{small|(did not run)}}{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=1171}}

|Republican{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=450–451}}

|1889

|rowspan="2" colspan="2" style="background: {{party color|Republican Party (United States)}};"| 

|{{sortname|Alfred|Dickey}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|2

|data-sort-value="Burke, Andrew"|75px

|Andrew H. Burke
{{small|(1850–1918)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=1171–1172}}{{Cite web |title=Andrew Horace Burke |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/andrew-horace-burke/ |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|January 7, 1891}}North Dakota Legislative Assembly. Journal of the House of Representatives. 1891 sess., [https://books.google.com/books?id=rdFLAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA34 34], accessed May 30, 2023
–
January 4, 1893
{{small|(lost election)}}

|Republican{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=450–451}}

|1890

|{{sortname|Roger|Allin}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|3

|data-sort-value="Shortridge, Eli"|75px

|colspan="2" style="background: {{party color|Populist Party (United States)}};"|

|Eli C. D. Shortridge
{{small|(1830–1908)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=1172}}{{Cite web |title=Eli C. D. Shortridge |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/eli-c-d-shortridge/ |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|January 4, 1893}}{{efn|Sources disagree on when Shortridge took office; Sobel says January 2,{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=1172}} the State Historical Society says January 3,{{Cite web |title=Eli C. D. Shortridge |url=https://www.history.nd.gov/exhibits/governors/governors3.html |access-date=May 30, 2023 |website=North Dakota Governors Online |publisher=State Historical Society of North Dakota}} one contemporary news source says Shortridge qualified on January 3,{{Cite news |date=1893-01-04 |title=North Dakota Legislature Gets in Motion |page=2 |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune-shortridge-became-govern/125589693/ |access-date=2023-05-30}} and Shortridge delivered his inaugural address (dated January 3) to the legislature on January 4.North Dakota Legislative Assembly. Journal of the House of Representatives. 1893 sess., [https://books.google.com/books?id=VTgeYHX7M9UC&pg=PA33 33], accessed May 30, 2023}}
–
January 9, 1895
{{small|(did not run)}}

|Populist{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=1172}}

|1892

|colspan="2" style="background: {{party color|North Dakota Democratic-Independent Party}};"|

|{{sortname|Elmer D.|Wallace}}{{efn|Represented the Democratic-Independent Party|name=lt-di}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|4

|data-sort-value="Allin, Roger"|75px

|colspan="2" rowspan="7" style="background: {{party color|Republican Party (United States)}};"|

|Roger Allin
{{small|(1848–1936)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=1172–1173}}{{Cite web |title=Roger Allin |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/roger-allin/ |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|January 9, 1895}}North Dakota Legislative Assembly. Journal of the House of Representatives. 1895 sess., [https://books.google.com/books?id=6NJLAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA35 35], accessed May 30, 2023
–
January 7, 1897
{{small|(lost nomination)}}{{Cite news |date=1896-07-25 |title=Briggs the Man |page=4 |work=The Washburn Leader |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-washburn-leader-briggs-the-man/125584014/ |access-date=2023-05-30}}

|Republican{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=450–451}}

|1894

|colspan="2" rowspan="2" style="background: {{party color|Republican Party (United States)}};"|

|{{sortname|John H.|Worst}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|5

|data-sort-value="Briggs, Frank"|75px

|Frank A. Briggs
{{small|(1858–1898)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=1173}}{{Cite web |title=Frank Arlington Briggs |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/frank-arlington-briggs/ |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|January 7, 1897}}{{efn|Sources disagree on when Briggs took office; Sobel says January 8,{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=1173}} the State Historical Society says January 6,{{Cite web |title=Frank A. Briggs |url=https://www.history.nd.gov/exhibits/governors/governors5.html |access-date=May 30, 2023 |website=North Dakota Governors Online |publisher=State Historical Society of North Dakota}} and a contemporary news source says he was sworn in on January 7,{{Cite news |date=1897-01-14 |title=The Legislature |page=2 |work=Courier Democrat |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/courier-democrat-briggs-sworn-in-january/125590960/ |access-date=2023-05-30}} which notes that inaugural proceedings were delayed by the death of Briggs' daughter.}}
–
August 9, 1898
{{small|(died in office)}}

|Republican{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=450–451}}

|1896

|{{sortname|Joseph M.|Devine}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|6

|data-sort-value="Devine, Joseph"|75px

|Joseph M. Devine
{{small|(1861–1938)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=1174}}{{Cite web |title=Joseph McMurray Devine |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/joseph-mcmurray-devine/ |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|August 9, 1898}}{{Cite news |date=1898-08-11 |title=Briggs Is Dead! |page=1 |work=The Hope Pioneer |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-hope-pioneer-devine-succeeds-briggs/125591146/ |access-date=2023-05-30}}
–
January 3, 1899
{{small|(did not run)}}

|Republican{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=450–451}}

|style="background:#EEEEEE"|{{small|Succeeded from
lieutenant
governor}}

|colspan="3" style="background:#EEEEEE;"|Vacant

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|7

|data-sort-value="Fancher, Frederick"|75px

|Frederick B. Fancher
{{small|(1852–1944)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=1174–1175}}{{Cite web |title=Frederick Bartlett Fancher |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/frederick-bartlett-fancher/ |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|January 3, 1899}}{{Cite news |date=1899-01-07 |title=North Dakota Officers Inaugurated |page=1 |work=The Bottineau Courant |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bottineau-courant-north-dakota-offic/125591404/ |access-date=2023-05-30}}
–
January 7, 1901
{{small|(withdrew)}}{{efn|Fancher was nominated by the Republican Party, but withdrew from the election due to health concerns.{{Cite news |date=1900-09-27 |title=Fancher Resigns |page=1 |work=Jamestown Weekly Alert |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/jamestown-weekly-alert-fancher-resigns/125584293/ |access-date=2023-05-30}}}}

|Republican{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=450–451}}

|1898

|colspan="2" rowspan="4" style="background: {{party color|Republican Party (United States)}};"|

|{{sortname|Joseph M.|Devine}}

style="height:2em;"

!rowspan="2" scope="rowgroup"|8

|rowspan="2" data-sort-value="White, Frank"|75px

|rowspan="2"|Frank White
{{small|(1856–1940)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=1175}}{{Cite web |title=Frank White |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/frank-white/ |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|rowspan="2"|{{dts|January 7, 1901}}{{Cite news |date=1901-01-07 |title=The New Officers |page=1 |work=The Bismarck Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bismarck-tribune-the-new-officers/125591583/ |access-date=2023-05-30}}
–
January 4, 1905
{{small|(did not run)}}

|rowspan="2"|Republican{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=450–451}}

|1900

|rowspan="3"|{{sortname|David|Bartlett|dab=North Dakota politician}}

style="height:2em;"

|1902

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|9

|data-sort-value="Sarles, Elmore"|75px

|Elmore Y. Sarles
{{small|(1859–1929)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=1175–1176}}{{Cite web |title=Elmore Yocum Sarles |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/elmore-yocum-sarles/ |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|January 4, 1905}}{{Cite news |date=1905-01-05 |title=New Administration Is Nicely Launched |page=1 |work=The Bismarck Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bismarck-tribune-new-administration/125591741/ |access-date=2023-05-30}}
–
January 9, 1907
{{small|(lost election)}}

|Republican{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=450–451}}

|1904

style="height:2em;"

!rowspan="3" scope="rowgroup"|10

|rowspan="3" data-sort-value="Burke, John"|75px

|colspan="2" rowspan="3" style="background: {{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}};"|

|rowspan="3"|John Burke
{{small|(1859–1937)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=1176–1177}}{{Cite web |title=John Burke |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/john-burke/ |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|rowspan="3"|{{dts|January 9, 1907}}{{Cite news |date=1907-01-10 |title=Now Gov. Burke |page=5 |work=The Bismarck Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bismarck-tribune-now-gov-burke/125591865/ |access-date=2023-05-30}}
–
January 8, 1913
{{small|(did not run)}}

|rowspan="3"|Democratic{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=450–451}}

|1906

|colspan="2" rowspan="3" style="background: {{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}};"|

|rowspan="2"|{{sortname|Robert S.|Lewis}}

style="height:2em;"

|1908

style="height:2em;"

|1910

|{{sortname|Usher L.|Burdick}}

style="height:2em;"

!rowspan="2" scope="rowgroup"|11

|rowspan="2" data-sort-value="Hanna, L.B."|75px

|colspan="2" rowspan="2" style="background: {{party color|Republican Party (United States)}}; border-bottom: none;"|

|rowspan="2"|L. B. Hanna
{{small|(1861–1948)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=1177}}{{Cite web |title=Louis Benjamin Hanna |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/louis-benjamin-hanna/ |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|rowspan="2"|{{dts|January 8, 1913}}{{Cite news |date=1913-01-09 |title=A Republican Administration |page=4 |work=The Bismarck Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bismarck-tribune-a-republican-admini/125591974/ |access-date=2023-05-30}}
–
January 3, 1917
{{small|(did not run)}}

|rowspan="2"|Republican{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=450–451}}

|1912

|colspan="2" rowspan="9" style="background: {{party color|Republican Party (United States)}};"|

|{{sortname|Anton|Kraabel}}

style="height:2em;"

|1914

|{{sortname|John H.|Fraine}}

style="height:2em;"

!rowspan="3" scope="rowgroup"|12

|rowspan="3" data-sort-value="Frazier, Lynn"|75px

|rowspan="12" style="background: {{party color|Republican Party (United States)}}; border-top: none; padding: .2em .2em;"|

|rowspan="3" style="background: {{party color|Nonpartisan League}}; padding: .2em .2em;"|

|rowspan="3"|Lynn Frazier
{{small|(1874–1947)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=1177–1178}}{{Cite web |title=Lynn Joseph Frazier |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/lynn-joseph-frazier/ |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|rowspan="3"|{{dts|January 3, 1917}}{{Cite news |date=1917-01-03 |title=Intense Enthusiasm Marks New Regime at State Capitol |page=1 |work=The Bismarck Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bismarck-tribune-intense-enthusiasm/125592219/ |access-date=2023-05-30}}
–
November 23, 1921
{{small|(recalled)}}{{efn|Frazier was recalled and Nestos elected to replace him in a special election.|name=1921recall}}

|rowspan="3"|Republican/
Nonpartisan League{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=1177–1178}}

|1916

|{{sortname|Anton|Kraabel}}

style="height:2em;"

|1918

|rowspan="3"|{{sortname|Howard R.|Wood}}

style="height:2em;"

|1920

style="height:2em;"

!rowspan="2" scope="rowgroup"|13

|rowspan="2" data-sort-value="Nestos, Ragnvald"|75px

|rowspan="2" style="background: {{party color|Independent Voters Association}}; padding: .2em .2em;"|

|rowspan="2"|Ragnvald Nestos
{{small|(1877–1942)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=1178–1179}}{{Cite web |title=Ragnvold Anderson Nestos |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/ragnvold-anderson-nestos/ |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|rowspan="2"|{{dts|November 23, 1921}}{{Cite news |date=1921-11-23 |title=New Governor Kindles Pride in State, Pledges Economy. Asks Strife Be Forgotten |page=1 |work=The Bismarck Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bismarck-tribune-new-governor-kindle/125592333/ |access-date=2023-05-30}}
–
January 7, 1925
{{small|(lost nomination)}}{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=1178–1179}}

|rowspan="2"|Republican/
Independent Voters{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=1178–1179}}

|1921
{{small|(recall)}}{{efn|name=1921recall}}

style="height:2em;"

|1922

|{{sortname|Frank H.|Hyland}}

style="height:2em;"

!rowspan="2" scope="rowgroup"|14

|rowspan="2" data-sort-value="Sorlie, Arthur"|75px

|rowspan="3" style="background: {{party color|Nonpartisan League}}; padding: .2em .2em;"|

|rowspan="2"|Arthur G. Sorlie
{{small|(1874–1928)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=1179}}{{Cite web |title=Arthur Gustav Sorlie |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/arthur-gustav-sorlie/ |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|rowspan="2"|{{dts|January 7, 1925}}{{Cite news |date=1925-01-07 |title=Sorlie, Nestos Both Speak; New Governor Inaugurated Before Joint Session Today |page=1 |work=The Bismarck Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bismarck-tribune-sorlie-nestos-both/125592430/ |access-date=2023-05-30}}
–
August 28, 1928
{{small|(died in office)}}

|rowspan="2"|Republican/
Nonpartisan League{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=1179}}

|1924

|rowspan="2"|{{sortname|Walter|Maddock}}

style="height:2em;"

|1926

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|15

|data-sort-value="Maddock, Walter"|75px

|Walter Maddock
{{small|(1880–1951)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=1179–1180}}{{Cite web |title=Walter Maddock |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/walter-maddock/ |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|August 28, 1928}}{{Cite news |date=1928-08-28 |title=Governor Sorlie Dead from Fight with Heart Disease |page=1 |work=The Bismarck Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bismarck-tribune-maddock-succeeds-so/125592551/ |access-date=2023-05-30}}
–
January 9, 1929
{{small|(lost election)}}

|Republican/
Nonpartisan League{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=1179–1180}}

|style="background:#EEEEEE"|{{small|Succeeded from
lieutenant
governor}}

|colspan="3" style="background:#EEEEEE;"|Vacant

style="height:2em;"

!rowspan="2" scope="rowgroup"|16

|rowspan="2" data-sort-value="Shafer, George"|75px

|rowspan="2" style="background: {{party color|Independent Voters Association}}; padding: .2em .2em;"|

|rowspan="2"|George F. Shafer
{{small|(1888–1948)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=1180}}{{Cite web |title=George Frederick Shafer |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/george-frederick-shafer/ |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|rowspan="2"|{{dts|January 9, 1929}}{{Cite news |date=1929-01-09 |title=Governor Shafer Takes Post |page=1 |work=The Bismarck Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bismarck-tribune-governor-shafer-tak/125592654/ |access-date=2023-05-30}}
–
January 4, 1933
{{small|(did not run)}}{{efn|Shafer instead ran unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination to the United States Senate.{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=1180}}}}

|rowspan="2"|Republican/
Independent Voters{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=1180}}

|1928

|colspan="2" rowspan="3" style="background: {{party color|Republican Party (United States)}};"|

|rowspan="2"|{{sortname|John W.|Carr}}

style="height:2em;"

|1930

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|17

|data-sort-value="Langer, William"|75px

|rowspan="2" style="background: {{party color|Nonpartisan League}}; padding: .2em .2em;"|

|William Langer
{{small|(1886–1959)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=1181}}{{Cite web |title=William Langer |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/william-langer/ |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|January 4, 1933}}{{efn|Sources disagree on when Langer took office; the State Historical Society says December 31, 1932,{{Cite web |title=William Langer |url=https://www.history.nd.gov/exhibits/governors/governors17.html |access-date=May 30, 2023 |website=North Dakota Governors Online |publisher=State Historical Society of North Dakota}} but contemporary news indicates it was on January 4, 1933, the matter being complicated because Langer was ill and unable to attend..{{Cite news |date=1933-01-04 |title=New Officers Take Hold and Name Deputies |page=1 |work=Morning Pioneer |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/morning-pioneer-new-officers-take-hold-a/125593384/ |access-date=2023-05-30}}}}
–
July 19, 1934
{{small|(removed)}}{{efn|Langer was removed from office following his conviction of felony conspiracy to defraud the federal government; he was later cleared.{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=1181}} He was convicted on June 17 and Lieutenant Governor Ole H. Olson immediately moved to take over, receiving the oath of office.{{Cite news |date=1934-06-18 |title=New Rockford Man Moves to Assume Duties of Office |page=1 |work=The Bismarck Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bismarck-tribune-new-rockford-man-mo/125593810/ |access-date=2023-05-30}} The Supreme Court ruled Langer was ineligible on July 17, and Olson formally took office on July 19.{{Cite news |date=1934-07-19 |title=Acting Governor Takes Control of Executive Office |page=1 |work=The Bismarck Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bismarck-tribune-acting-governor-tak/125594025/ |access-date=2023-05-30}}|name=langer-olson}}

|Republican/
Nonpartisan League{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=1181}}

|1932

|{{sortname|Ole H.|Olson}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|18

|data-sort-value="Olson, Ole"|75px

|Ole H. Olson
{{small|(1872–1954)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=1181–1182}}{{Cite web |title=Ole H. Olson |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/ole-h-olson/ |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|July 19, 1934}}{{efn|name=langer-olson}}
–
January 7, 1935
{{small|(did not run)}}

|Republican/
Nonpartisan League

|style="background:#EEEEEE"|{{small|Succeeded from
lieutenant
governor}}

|colspan="3" style="background:#EEEEEE;"|Vacant

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|19

|data-sort-value="Moodie, Thomas"|75px

|colspan="2" style="background: {{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}};"|

|Thomas H. Moodie
{{small|(1878–1948)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=1182}}{{Cite web |title=Thomas Hilliard Moodie |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/thomas-hilliard-moodie/ |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|January 7, 1935}}{{Cite news |date=1935-01-07 |title=Moodie Becomes N.D. Governor |page=1 |work=The Bismarck Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bismarck-tribune-moodie-becomes-nd/125610032/ |access-date=2023-05-31}}
–
February 2, 1935
{{small|(removed)}}{{efn|The Supreme Court ruled that Moodie did not meet residency requirements to run for governor, and so removed him.{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=1182}}}}

|Democratic{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=1182}}

|1934

|colspan="2" style="background: {{party color|Republican Party (United States)}};"|

|{{sortname|Walter|Welford}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|20

|data-sort-value="Welford, Walter"|75px

|style="background: {{party color|Republican Party (United States)}}; padding: .2em .2em;"|

|style="background: {{party color|Nonpartisan League}}; padding: .2em .2em;"|

|Walter Welford
{{small|(1868–1952)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=1183}}{{Cite web |title=Walter Welford |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/walter-welford/ |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|February 2, 1935}}{{Cite news |date=1935-02-02 |title=Supreme Court Holds Moodie Disqualified by Constitution |page=9 |work=The Bismarck Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bismarck-tribune-supreme-court-holds/125610092/ |access-date=2023-05-31}}
–
January 6, 1937
{{small|(lost election)}}

|Republican/
Nonpartisan League{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=1183}}

|style="background:#EEEEEE"|{{small|Succeeded from
lieutenant
governor}}

|colspan="3" style="background:#EEEEEE;"|Vacant

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|21

|data-sort-value="Langer, William"|75px

|colspan="2" style="background:{{party color|Independent (United States)}};"|

|William Langer
{{small|(1886–1959)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=1181}}

|{{dts|January 6, 1937}}{{Cite news |date=1937-01-07 |title=Grand March Climaxes Inaugural |page=1 |work=The Bismarck Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bismarck-tribune-grand-march-climaxe/125610240/ |access-date=2023-05-31}}
–
January 2, 1939
{{small|(did not run)}}{{efn|Langer instead ran unsuccessfully for the United States Senate.{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=1181}}}}

|Independent{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=1181}}

|1936

|colspan="2" rowspan="3" style="background: {{party color|Republican Party (United States)}};"|

|{{sortname|Thorstein H. H.|Thoresen}}

style="height:2em;"

!rowspan="3" scope="rowgroup"|22

|rowspan="3" data-sort-value="Moses, John"|75px

|colspan="2" rowspan="3" style="background: {{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}};"|

|rowspan="3"|John Moses
{{small|(1885–1945)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=1183–1184}}{{Cite web |title=John Moses |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/john-moses/ |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|rowspan="3"|{{dts|January 2, 1939}}{{Cite news |date=1939-01-02 |title=Langer Ends His Regime |page=2 |work=Reno Gazette-Journal |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/reno-gazette-journal-langer-ends-his-reg/125610585/ |access-date=2023-05-31}}
–
January 2, 1945
{{small|(did not run)}}{{efn|Moses was instead elected to the United States Senate.{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=1183–1184}}}}

|rowspan="3"|Democratic{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=1183–1184}}

|1938

|{{sortname|Jack A.|Patterson}}

style="height:2em;"

|1940

|{{sortname|Oscar W.|Hagen}}

style="height:2em;"

|1942

|colspan="2" style="background: {{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}};"|

|{{sortname|Henry|Holt|dab=North Dakota politician}}

style="height:2em;"

!rowspan="3" scope="rowgroup"|23

|rowspan="3" data-sort-value="Aandahl, Fred"|75px

|colspan="2" rowspan="8" style="background: {{party color|Republican Party (United States)}};"|

|rowspan="3"|Fred G. Aandahl
{{small|(1897–1966)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=1184}}{{Cite web |title=Fred George Aandahl |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/fred-george-aandahl/ |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|rowspan="3"|{{dts|January 2, 1945}}{{Cite news |date=1945-01-02 |title=Aandahl, Other New State Officers Begin Duties |page=1 |work=The Bismarck Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bismarck-tribune-aandahl-other-new/125610657/ |access-date=2023-05-31}}
–
January 3, 1951
{{small|(did not run)}}{{efn|Aandahl was instead elected to the United States House of Representatives.{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=1184}}}}

|rowspan="3"|Republican{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=1184}}

|1944

|colspan="2" rowspan="10" style="background: {{party color|Republican Party (United States)}};"|

|rowspan="3"|{{sortname|Clarence P.|Dahl}}

style="height:2em;"

|1946

style="height:2em;"

|1948

style="height:2em;"

!rowspan="3" scope="rowgroup"|24

|rowspan="3" data-sort-value="Brunsdale, Norman"|75px

|rowspan="3"|Norman Brunsdale
{{small|(1891–1978)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=1185}}{{Cite web |title=C. Norman Brunsdale |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/c-norman-brunsdale/ |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|rowspan="3"|{{dts|January 3, 1951}}{{Cite news |date=1951-01-03 |title=Family, Friends of New Governor Attend Inaugural |page=1 |work=The Bismarck Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bismarck-tribune-family-friends-of/125610711/ |access-date=2023-05-31}}
–
January 7, 1957
{{small|(did not run)}}

|rowspan="3"|Republican{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=1185}}

|1950

|{{sortname|Ray|Schnell}}

style="height:2em;"

|1952

|rowspan="2"|{{sortname|Clarence P.|Dahl}}

style="height:2em;"

|1954

style="height:2em;"

!rowspan="2" scope="rowgroup"|25

|rowspan="2" data-sort-value="Davis, John"|75px

|rowspan="2"|John E. Davis
{{small|(1913–1990)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=1185–1186}}{{Cite web |title=John Edward Davis |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/john-edward-davis/ |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|rowspan="2"|{{dts|January 7, 1957}}{{Cite news |date=1957-01-09 |title=John Davis Is Sworn In at Capitol |page=1 |work=The Bismarck Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bismarck-tribune-john-davis-is-sworn/125610827/ |access-date=2023-05-31}}
–
January 3, 1961
{{small|(did not run)}}{{efn|Davis instead ran unsuccessfully for the United States Senate.{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=1185–1186}}}}

|rowspan="2"|Republican{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=1185–1186}}

|1956

|{{sortname|Francis Clyde|Duffy}}

style="height:2em;"

|1958

|{{sortname|Clarence P.|Dahl}}

style="height:2em;"

!rowspan="4" scope="rowgroup"|26

|rowspan="4" data-sort-value="Guy, William"|75px

|colspan="2" rowspan="6" style="background: {{party color|North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party}};"|

|rowspan="4"|William L. Guy
{{small|(1919–2013)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=1186}}{{Cite web |title=William Lewis Guy |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/william-lewis-guy/ |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|rowspan="4"|{{dts|January 3, 1961}}{{Cite news |date=1961-01-04 |title=Guy Urges Austerity for N.D. |page=1 |work=The Bismarck Tribune |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bismarck-tribune-guy-urges-austerity/125612095/ |access-date=2023-05-31}}
–
January 2, 1973
{{small|(did not run)}}{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=1186}}

|rowspan="4"|Democratic–
Nonpartisan League{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=1186}}

|1960

|{{sortname|Orville W.|Hagen}}

style="height:2em;"

|1962

|{{sortname|Frank A.|Wenstrom}}

style="height:2em;"

|1964

|colspan="2" style="background: {{party color|North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party}};"|

|{{sortname|Charles|Tighe}}

style="height:2em;"

|1968

|colspan="2" style="background: {{party color|Republican Party (United States)}};"|

|{{sortname|Richard F.|Larsen}}

style="height:2em;"

!rowspan="2" scope="rowgroup"|27

|rowspan="2" data-sort-value="Link, Arthur"|75px

|rowspan="2"|Arthur A. Link
{{small|(1914–2010)}}
{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=1187}}{{Cite web |title=Arthur Albert Link |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/arthur-albert-link/ |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|rowspan="2"|{{dts|January 2, 1973}}{{Cite news |date=1973-01-03 |title=Link Takes Oath As State Head |page=24 |work=The Bismarck Tribune |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bismarck-tribune-link-takes-oath-as/125612160/ |access-date=2023-05-31}}
–
January 6, 1981
{{small|(lost election)}}

|rowspan="2"|Democratic–
Nonpartisan League{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=1187}}

|1972

|colspan="2" rowspan="2" style="background: {{party color|North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party}};"|

|rowspan="2"|{{sortname|Wayne|Sanstead}}

style="height:2em;"

|1976

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|28

|data-sort-value="Olson, Allen"|75px

|colspan="2" style="background: {{party color|Republican Party (United States)}};"|

|Allen I. Olson
{{small|({{Abbr|b.|born in}} 1938)}}
{{Cite web |title=Allen Ingvar Olson |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/allen-ingvar-olson/ |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|January 6, 1981}}{{Cite news |last=Baenen |first=Jeff |date=1981-01-07 |title=Olson Begins Term |page=3 |work=The Bismarck Tribune |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bismarck-tribune-olson-begins-term/125612219/ |access-date=2023-05-31}}
–
December 31, 1984
{{small|(lost election)}}

|Republican

|1980

|colspan="2" style="background: {{party color|Republican Party (United States)}};"|

|{{sortname|Ernest|Sands}}

style="height:2em;"

!rowspan="2" scope="rowgroup"|29

|rowspan="2" data-sort-value="Sinner, George"|75px

|colspan="2" rowspan="2" style="background: {{party color|North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party}};"|

|rowspan="2"|George A. Sinner
{{small|(1928–2018)}}
{{Cite web |title=George Albert Sinner |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/george-albert-sinner/ |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|rowspan="2"|{{dts|January 1, 1985}}{{efn|Sinner took the oath of office on December 31, so that he would become governor at midnight on January 1; Olson claimed that his term did not end until January 5, and refused to leave office. The Supreme Court ruled on January 4 that Sinner was governor, and had been since January 1.{{Cite news |last=Sellnow |first=Greg |date=1985-01-05 |title=Supreme Court Tells Olson to Pack It In |page=1A |work=The Bismarck Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bismarck-tribune-supreme-court-tells/125612451/ |access-date=2023-05-31}}{{Cite news |last=Sellnow |first=Greg |date=1985-01-05 |title=Justices Unanimously Support Sinner |page=1A |work=The Bismarck Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bismarck-tribune-justices-unanimousl/125612512/ |access-date=2023-05-31}}}}
–
December 15, 1992
{{small|(did not run)}}

|rowspan="2"|Democratic–
Nonpartisan League

|1984

|colspan="2" rowspan="2" style="background: {{party color|North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party}};"|

|{{sortname|Ruth|Meiers}}

style="height:2em;"

|1988

|{{sortname|Lloyd|Omdahl}}

style="height:2em;"

!rowspan="2" scope="rowgroup"|30

|rowspan="2" data-sort-value="Schafer, Ed"|75px

|colspan="2" rowspan="11" style="background: {{party color|Republican Party (United States)}};"|

|rowspan="2"|Ed Schafer
{{small|({{Abbr|b.|born in}} 1946)}}
{{Cite web |title=Edward Thomas Schafer |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/edward-thomas-schafer/ |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|rowspan="2"|{{dts|December 15, 1992}}{{Cite news |last=Donatelle |first=Kristine |date=1992-12-16 |title=Governor Fills Key Posts |language=en |page=1A |work=The Bismarck Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bismarck-tribune-governor-fills-key/125620205/ |access-date=2023-05-31}}
–
December 15, 2000
{{small|(did not run)}}

|rowspan="2"|Republican

|1992

|colspan="2" rowspan="11" style="background: {{party color|Republican Party (United States)}};"|

|rowspan="2"|{{sortname|Rosemarie|Myrdal}}

style="height:2em;"

|1996

style="height:2em;"

!rowspan="3" scope="rowgroup"|31

|rowspan="3" data-sort-value="Hoeven, John"|75px

|rowspan="3"|John Hoeven
{{small|({{Abbr|b.|born in}} 1957)}}
{{Cite web |title=John Hoeven |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/john-hoeven/ |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|rowspan="3"|{{dts|December 15, 2000}}{{Cite news |last=Wetzel |first=Dale |date=2000-12-16 |title=Hoeven's First Day Full of Decisions |page=1A |work=The Bismarck Tribune |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bismarck-tribune-hoevens-first-day/125620321/ |access-date=2023-05-31}}
–
December 7, 2010
{{small|(resigned)}}{{efn|Hoeven resigned, having been elected to the United States Senate.}}

|rowspan="3"|Republican

|2000

|rowspan="3"|{{sortname|Jack|Dalrymple}}

style="height:2em;"

|2004

style="height:2em;"

|2008

style="height:2em;"

!rowspan="2" scope="rowgroup"|32

|rowspan="2" data-sort-value="Dalrymple, Jack"|75px

|rowspan="2"|Jack Dalrymple
{{small|({{Abbr|b.|born in}} 1948)}}
{{Cite web |title=Jack Dalrymple |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/jack-dalrymple/ |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|rowspan="2"|{{dts|December 7, 2010}}{{Cite news |last=Beitsch |first=Rebecca |date=2010-12-08 |title=It's Official, Governor |page=1A |work=The Bismarck Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bismarck-tribune-its-official-gove/125621529/ |access-date=2023-05-31}}
–
December 15, 2016
{{small|(did not run)}}

|rowspan="2"|Republican

|style="background:#EEEEEE"|{{small|Succeeded from
lieutenant
governor}}

|rowspan="2"|{{sortname|Drew|Wrigley}}

style="height:2em;"

|2012

style="height:2em;"

!rowspan="3" scope="rowgroup"|33

|rowspan="3" data-sort-value="Burgum, Doug"|75px

|rowspan="3"|Doug Burgum
{{small|({{Abbr|b.|born in}} 1956)}}
{{Cite web |title=Doug Burgum |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/doug-burgum/ |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|rowspan="3"|{{dts|December 15, 2016}}{{Cite news |last=Holgate |first=Julie |date=December 15, 2016 |title=Doug Burgum Takes Office As Nd Governor Today |language=en |work=Valley News Live |url=https://www.valleynewslive.com/content/news/Doug-Burgum-takes-office-as-ND-governor-today-406748135.html |access-date=May 31, 2023}}
–
December 15, 2024
{{small|(did not run)}}

|rowspan="3"|Republican

|2016

|rowspan="2"|{{sortname|Brent|Sanford}}

style="height:2em;"

|rowspan="2"|2020

style="height:2em;"

|{{sortname|Tammy|Miller|dab=politician}}

style="height:2em;"

!scope="row"|34

|data-sort-value="Armstrong, Kelly"|75px

|Kelly Armstrong
{{small|({{Abbr|b.|born in}} 1976)}}
{{Cite web |title=Kelly Armstrong |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/kelly-armstrong/ |access-date=January 9, 2025 |publisher=National Governors Association}}

|{{dts|December 15, 2024}}{{Cite web |date=2024-12-15 |title=Armstrong takes oath of office, begins term as 34th governor in North Dakota’s 135-year history | publisher=North Dakota Office of the Governor |url=https://www.governor.nd.gov/news/armstrong-takes-oath-office-begins-term-34th-governor-north-dakotas-135-year-history |access-date=2025-01-23 |website=www.governor.nd.gov |language=en}}
–
Incumbent{{efn|Armstrong's term will expire on December 15, 2028.}}

|Republican

|2024

|{{sortname|Michelle|Strinden}}

See also

Notes

{{notelist}}

References

;General

{{refbegin}}

  • {{Cite web |title=Former North Dakota Governors |url=https://www.nga.org/former-governors/north-dakota/ |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}
  • {{Cite book |last=Sobel |first=Robert |url=https://archive.org/details/biographicaldire0003sobe/ |title=Biographical directory of the governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. III |publisher=Meckler Books |year=1978 |isbn=9780930466008 |access-date=May 9, 2023}}
  • {{Cite book |last=Kallenbach |first=Joseph Ernest |url=http://archive.org/details/americanstategov0000kall |title=American State Governors, 1776-1976 |date=1977 |publisher=Oceana Publications |isbn=978-0-379-00665-0 |access-date=September 23, 2023}}
  • {{Cite book |last=Dubin |first=Michael J. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WYJAIOabIPgC |title=United States Gubernatorial Elections, 1861-1911: The Official Results by State and County |date=2014 |publisher=McFarland |isbn=978-0-7864-5646-8 |language=en}}
  • {{Cite book |last=Glashan |first=Roy R. |url=http://archive.org/details/americangovernor0000glas |title=American Governors and Gubernatorial Elections, 1775-1978 |date=1979 |publisher=Meckler Books |isbn=978-0-930466-17-6}}
  • {{Cite web |title=Our Campaigns - Governor of North Dakota - History |url=https://www.ourcampaigns.com/ContainerHistory.html?ContainerID=262 |access-date=2023-07-25 |website=www.ourcampaigns.com}}

{{refend}}

;Specific

{{Reflist|30em}}

External links

  • [https://www.governor.nd.gov/ Office of the Governor of North Dakota]
  • [http://www.history.nd.gov/exhibits/governors/ State Historical Society of North Dakota, North Dakota Governors]

{{North Dakota}}

{{Lists of US Governors}}

North Dakota

*

Governors

Governors

Governors