Biggest governor landslides in North Dakota
The biggest landslide in a North Dakota governor’s race was in 1926, a margin of 66.6 points. Arthur G. Sorlie beat David M. Holmes, 131,003 to 24,287. Next widest are 1916 (60.8 points) and 1952 (57.5 points).
Every state is ranked together on Biggest governor landslides. For every gubernatorial race North Dakota has held, special elections included, see the North Dakota governor hub.
What is the biggest landslide in a North Dakota governor’s race?
The widest margin in a North Dakota gubernatorial general election came in 1926, 66.6 points. Arthur G. Sorlie beat David M. Holmes, 131,003 to 24,287. Next are 1916 (60.8 points) and 1952 (57.5 points).
Why do some huge wins not appear?
A blowout only counts here when somebody real finished second, which means at least 5% of the vote. Without that rule the list fills with uncontested races and with contests where the record is simply missing the major opponent, both of which show the winner near 100%.
Does this include recalls and special elections?
No, only regular general elections for governor. The North Dakota governor hub lists every race including specials and recalls.
| # | Election | Result | Votes | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1926 | Arthur G. Sorlie R def. David M. Holmes D | 131,003 – 24,287 | +66.6 points |
| 2 | 1916 | Lynn Frazier R def. D. H. McArthur D | 87,665 – 20,351 | +60.8 points |
| 3 | 1952 | Norman Brunsdale R def. Ole C. Johnson D | 199,944 – 53,990 | +57.5 points |
| 4 | 2016 | Doug Burgum R def. Marvin Nelson D | 259,863 – 65,855 | +57.1 points |
| 5 | 2008 | John Hoeven R def. Tim Mathern D | 235,009 – 74,279 | +50.9 points |
| 6 | 1930 | George F. Shafer R def. Pierce Blewett D | 133,264 – 41,988 | +50.4 points |
| 7 | 1904 | Elmore Y. Sarles R def. Marthinus F. Hegge D | 48,026 – 16,744 | +46.1 points |
| 8 | 2004 | John Hoeven R def. Joe Satrom D | 220,803 – 84,877 | +43.9 points |
| 9 | 2024 | Kelly Armstrong R def. Merrill Piepkorn D | 247,056 – 94,043 | +42.3 points |
| 10 | 2020 | Doug Burgum R def. Shelley Lenz D | 235,479 – 90,789 | +40.5 points |
| 11 | 1946 | Fred G. Aandahl R def. Quentin N. Burdick D | 116,672 – 52,719 | +37.8 points |
| 12 | 1894 | Roger Allin R def. Elmer D. Wallace P | 23,723 – 9,354 | +33.8 points |
| 13 | 1889 | John Miller R def. William N. Roach D | 25,365 – 12,733 | +33.2 points |
| 14 | 1950 | Norman Brunsdale R def. Clyde G. Byerly D | 121,822 – 61,950 | +32.6 points |
| 15 | 1996 | Ed Schafer R def. Lee Kaldor D | 174,937 – 89,349 | +32.4 points |
| 16 | 2012 | Jack Dalrymple R def. Ryan Taylor D | 200,525 – 109,048 | +28.8 points |
| 17 | 1954 | Norman Brunsdale R def. Cornelius Bymers D | 124,253 – 69,248 | +28.4 points |
| 18 | 1902 | Frank White R def. J. Cronan D | 31,613 – 17,576 | +27.8 points |
| 19 | 1940 | John Moses D def. Jack A. Patterson R | 173,278 – 101,287 | +26.2 points |
| 20 | 1948 | Fred G. Aandahl R def. Howard I. Henry D | 131,764 – 80,555 | +23.8 points |
| 21 | 1944 | Fred G. Aandahl R def. William T. DePuy D | 107,863 – 59,961 | +23.1 points |
| 22 | 1900 | Frank White R def. Max Wipperman D | 34,052 – 22,275 | +20.5 points |
| 23 | 1988 | George A. Sinner D def. Leon Mallberg R | 179,094 – 119,986 | +19.8 points |
| 24 | 1918 | Lynn Frazier R def. S. J. Doyle D | 54,517 – 36,733 | +19.5 points |
| 25 | 1898 | Frederick B. Fancher R def. David M. Holmes D | 28,308 – 19,496 | +18.4 points |