On June 22, 1925, Republican Senator Edwin F. Ladd died in office.

Governor Arthur G. Sorlie appointed Gerald Nye, a former congressional candidate and a prominent progressive activist, to fill Ladd's vacancy.

Nye won the endorsement of the Nonpartisan League and rejected any efforts by the state Republican Party to nominate him.

[1] Meanwhile, the Democratic Party opted not to run a candidate, instead fusing with the Republicans to support the anti-Nonpartisan League campaign of former Governor Louis B.

Ultimately, Nye won a full term over his opponents by a healthy margin, winning 50% of the vote to Hanna's 37% and Stone's 12%.