Charles Lindbergh, Sr., the father of famous aviator Charles Lindbergh, served as a U.S. Representative from 1907-1917. In 1918, he ran for Minnesota governor on the Farmer-Labor ticket. He was endorsed by the Nonpartisan League, a political organization that supported farm-related industries and fought against large coporations. The Nonpartisan League was viewed with suspicion during World War I, because the organization favored isolationism and its members were largely European immigrants.

Lindbergh's run for governor was unsuccessful; incumbent J.A.A. Burnquist won the election. Lindbergh ran for governor again in 1924, but he died before the primary election.