This primary election was for the full six-year term.
McCarthy was a political unknown from Lakeville and sacker and handyman at Consumers Soy Bean Mill.
Hansen was a farmer from Ulen and the DFL-endorsed candidate. He was elected Treasurer (1955-1957) in 1954.
Holmberg was a resident of Minneapolis, candidate for Railroad and Warehouse Commissioner in 1952, and candidate for Lieutenant Governor in 1954.
Benson was a resident of Minneapolis, accountant and tax consultant, nominee for HD 35 in 1944, nominee for Railroad and Warehouse Commissioner in 1950's special election, and GOP candidate for Railroad and Warehouse Commissioner in 1952.
Smith was an attorney from St. Paul, Democratic nominee for Clerk of the Supreme Court in 1938, and DFL nominee for Attorney General in 1948.