[1] He previously served in the North Dakota House of Representatives from 1959 to 1962.

He attended North Dakota State University, University of North Dakota, and Valley City State College for his college education.

He was elected as the North Dakota Insurance Commissioner in 1976, but was defeated in 1980.

He tried again for Labor Commissioner in 1986, and this time won, defeating Orville W. Hagen.

His tenure was short-lived, however, and he was defeated in 1990 by Craig Hagen, who is of no relation to Orville.