In 1910, Dix was the successful Democratic nominee for governor, and he served one two-year term, January 1911 to December 1912.

His term was largely concerned with issues of workplace safety in the wake of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire.

In 1912, Dix ran for reelection, but lost the Democratic nomination to William Sulzer.

[citation needed] He graduated from Glens Falls Academy and attended Cornell University from 1879 to 1882.

In 1908, Dix was the Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor of New York[2] on the ticket with Lewis S. Chanler, but was defeated.

[2] Gertrude's sister, Nancy Sherman Thomson (1867–1927), was married to State Senator Curtis N. Douglas (1856–1919).

He was also active in civic endeavors including service on the Cornell University board of trustees.

Dix died in New York City on April 9, 1928, and was buried at Albany Rural Cemetery in Menands.

[5] Governor Dix planned to sail to Europe with his wife on April 20, 1912, aboard the RMS Titanic.