Anderson sought the Republican nomination to run for governor in 1952, but lost in the primary. In 1954, he again ran for the governorship, this time winning. He was reelected by a large majority in 1956. During his tenure, taxes and expenditures were reduced, mental health programs were improved, and a prison riot was successfully calmed. He sought a third term in 1958, but lost to Democratic candidate Ralph G. Brooks, in what was then the closest election in Nebraska history.