Oscar W. Hagen was born in Richland County, North Dakota, in 1884. He began his public service career in the North Dakota House, serving from 1937 to 1940. Hagen then transitioned to the role of the 20th lieutenant governor of North Dakota under Governor John Moses from 1941 to 1943. In 1942, he ran as the Republican nominee for governor. His career highlights significant experience in state-level governance and political leadership.

Oscar W. Hagen's political career reveals a penchant for aligning with unexpected factions, particularly on environmental regulations, suggesting a highly calculated strategy to safeguard regional industrial interests. His ideological positioning appears to be rooted in a nuanced understanding of local economic dynamics, which he leverages to navigate broader political landscapes. Hagen's rhetorical style likely emphasizes the intricate balance between progress and preservation, inviting deeper inquiry into how he reconciles these seemingly opposing forces.