He graduated from Litchville High School, and then from the University of North Dakota in 1921 and became a farmer.

From 1945 to 1951 he was governor of the state, and during his tenure, natural resources were protected and conservation programs were promoted.

[3] Aandahl then ran in the general election against Langer and Democrat Harold A. Morrison and finished in third place and 10% of the vote.

From 1953 to 1961 he was appointed Assistant Secretary of the Interior during both of President Dwight D. Eisenhower's administrations.

Aandahl died in Fargo, North Dakota and was interred in Hillside Cemetery, Valley City.