Senator Shipstead was reelected to a fourth term.
Benson was a resident of Appleton, former state Commissioner of Securities (1933), Commissioner of Banks (1933-1935), appointed U.S. Senator (1935-1936), and Governor (1937-1939).
Regan was an attorney from Mankato, state Representative (HD 08, 1931-1933), and Democratic nominee for Governor in 1932 and 1934.
Carlson was a psychologist from St. Paul, Revolutionary Workers nominee for U.S. Senate in 1946, Socialist Workers nominee for Vice-President in 1948, and Socialist Workers nominee for the 5th CD in 1950. Carlson was nominated by petition.
Winter was a resident of Minneapolis and state secretary of the Minnesota Communist Party. Winter was endorsed by the Communist Party at the state convention in June and ran a sticker candidacy.