Conrad won the election against state representative and future Governor of North Dakota Jack Dalrymple.

[7] The Republican nominee would be Jack Dalrymple, a state representative who ran concurrently in this race with his own re-election campaign.

[11] A third candidate was Darold Larson, a reverend who ran an anti-abortion campaign, including airing a graphic ad showing aborted fetuses.

[12] Ultimately Conrad's high name recognition approval ratings as Senator carried through and he was seen as the clear favorite to secure victory against Dalrymple.

[15] Conrad won decisively, albeit with lower turnout statewide, in part due to election fatigue and cold weather.