Prior to 1941, his title was North Dakota Railroad Commissioner.

[1] Clark McDonnell was born in Nova Scotia, Canada, in 1870.

He came to Kensal, North Dakota, as an agent for the Soo Line in March 1893 and stayed in that position until 1905.

He operated a farm in Foster County from 1909 to 1923 and served in the North Dakota House of Representatives from 1917 to 1920 in the 32nd district.

The Railroad Commission became known as the North Dakota Public Service Commission in 1940, and McDonnell served until 1950 when, after winning the Republican primary, he withdrew his name from the ballot in September and retired at the age of 80.