In the general election, Green faced D. A. McCullough, the state's Rural Credits Commissioner and the Democratic nominee.

Following Governor Bulow's decision to run for the U.S. Senate rather than seek re-election, a crowded Republican primary developed to succeed him.

The Huronite argued, "If the [R]epublican state convention nominates Gladys Pyle for governor, she will be elected.

"[8] But this praise was frequently backhanded; though the Argus Leader endorsed her candidacy, it also noted that "[t]he convention promises to be a colorful affair with the added novelty a woman candidate" and that "Miss Pyle's great strength is that the women voted for her.

"[9] At the convention, following twelve ballots, Green, the last-place finisher in the primary, was nominated over Pyle.