The 1928 Minnesota gubernatorial election took place on November 6, 1928. Republican Party of Minnesota candidate Theodore Christianson defeated FarmerâÂÂLabor Party challenger Ernest Lundeen.
Christianson launched his bid for a third term very early, in January of 1928. 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%.
Lundeen would narrowly win the primary over Dr. Louis A. Fritsche, with 53.11% to Fritsche's 46.89%. Lundeen was the first gubernatorial candidate to campaign over the radio for a primary election.
Christianson was the first gubernatorial candidate to begin campaigning over the radio for the general election. 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. 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.