Clarence Norman Brunsdale

Republican Senator of North Dakota

Congresses Served

Senate Terms

January 1, 1891 (87 years old)

Birthday

January 1, 1978

Death

Served as the 24th Governor of North Dakota and a U.S. Senator for North Dakota
Born to Norwegian immigrant parents and raised in North Dakota
Educated at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and taught at Bruflat Academy before managing family farm operations
Held positions in the North Dakota State Senate for multiple terms
Was an alternate delegate to the Republican National Convention and a member of the Republican National Committee
Advocated for water development projects, including the completion of Garrison Dam and the establishment of the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District during his governorship
His administration saw the establishment of the Highway Department and the passage of major highway legislation, with a focus on education, agriculture, and mental health
Appointed to the U.S. Senate in 1959 following the death of Senator William Langer and served until 1960
Voted in favor of the Civil Rights Act of 1960
Married to Carrie Lajord with whom he had two daughters
Died in Mayville, North Dakota, and was buried there
Was a Lutheran