Karl Rolvaag

Who was Karl Rolvaag?

Karl Fritjof Rolvaag was a American politician who served as the 31st Governor of Minnesota from March 25, 1963, to January 2, 1967, as a member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party. He was the son of Norwegian-American author and professor Ole E. Rølvaag.

The 1962 election was held November 6, 1962, but the results of the race for governor were not known until a 139-day recount was completed in March 1963. Rolvaag won the closest gubernatorial election in state history by defeating incumbent Elmer L. Andersen by just 91 votes out of over 1.3 million cast. Rolvaag is just one of four Minnesota Democrats to win a gubernatorial election with a Democrat in the White House.

A native of Northfield, Minnesota, Rolvaag lived in his home town and graduated from St. Olaf College before fighting in World War II, where he rose to the rank of lieutenant and commanded a tank. After the war, he went to Norway to learn about politics before returning home to Minnesota. After his return, Rolvaag became the head of Minnesota's DFL Party. In 1954 he ran successfully for the office of lieutenant governor.