This electon for this seat was for a six-year term. Commissioner Elmquist was reelected to a second term. Elmquist resigned in November 1917 to become a solicitor and secretary of the National Association of State Railroad Commissioners Valuations Committee. Governor J.A.A. Burnquist appointed Red Wing attorney Fred W. Putnam to fill the vacancy. Putnam was the governor's third choice after attorney Samuel Wilson of Mankato and attorney Julius Haycroft of Fairmont declined.
Gayner was a resident of Litchfield. He was appointed postmaster of Litchfield in 1915.
Sharkey was a resident of Staples with 25 years of experience as a railway service operator, station agent, and traveling auditor. Sharkey was nominated by petition.