1914 United States Senate election in North Dakota

The 1914 United States Senate election in North Dakota took place on November 3, 1914. Incumbent Senator Asle Gronna, a Republican, sought re-election in his first popular election. Against several strong challengers, he won the Republican primary, though only with a plurality. In the general election, he faced former U.S. Senator William E. Purcell, the Democratic nominee. Gronna ultimately had little difficulty defeating Purcell to win re-election.

1914 United States Senate election in North Dakota

← 1911 November 3, 1914 1920 →

Nominee Asle Gronna William E. Purcell W. H. Brown Party Republican Democratic Socialist Popular vote 48,732 29,640 6,231 Percentage 55.81% 33.95% 7.14%

County results Gronna:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80% Purcell:      50–60% No Vote:

U.S. senator before election Asle Gronna Republican Elected U.S. Senator Asle Gronna Republican

Democratic primary

Candidates

• William E. Purcell, former U.S. Senator
• George P. Jones, former LaMoure County State's Attorney, 1912 Democratic candidate for Governor^[1]

Results

Democratic primary^[2]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	William E. Purcell	6,609	51.60%
	Democratic	George P. Jones	6,200	48.40%
Total votes			12,809	100.00%

Republican primary

Candidates

• Asle Gronna, incumbent U.S. Senator
• John W. Worst, President of North Dakota Agricultural College^[3]
• Andrew Miller, Attorney General of North Dakota^[4]
• Herman N. Midtbo, perennial candidate

Results

Republican primary^[5]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Asle Gronna (inc.)	27,740	47.60%
	Republican	John W. Worst	14,639	25.12%
	Republican	Andrew Miller	13,588	23.32%
	Republican	Herman N. Midtbo	2,305	3.96%
Total votes			58,272	100.00%

General election

Results

1914 United States Senate election in North Dakota^[2]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Asle Gronna (inc.)	48,732	55.81%
	Democratic	William E. Purcell	29,640	33.95%
	Socialist	W. H. Brown	6,231	7.14%
	Independent	Sever Serumgard	2,707	3.10%
Majority			19,092	21.87%
Total votes			87,310	100.00%
	Republican hold

References

1. "Predicts His Nomination". Fargo Forum and Daily Republican. Fargo, N.D. June 17, 1914. p. 6. Retrieved June 19, 2021.
2. "Party Votes, General Election, November 3, 1914" (PDF). Secretary of State of North Dakota. Retrieved June 19, 2021.
3. "John H. Worst Out for U.S. Senate". Ward County Independent. Minot, N.D. April 16, 1914. p. 8. Retrieved June 19, 2021.
4. "Miller Out for Gronna's Place". Grand Forks Herald. Grand Forks, N.D. February 16, 1914. p. 3. Retrieved June 19, 2021.
5. "Primary Election 06-24-1914" (PDF). Secretary of State of North Dakota. Retrieved June 19, 2021.