This primary election was for a six-year term.
Commissioner Lund, former Duluth Finance Commissioner, was appointed to the seat by Governor Luther Youngdahl on June 20, 1951 after the death of Commissioner N.J. Holmberg on June 14, 1951. Lund took office on August 1, 1951.
Peterson was an attorney from Long Prairie, former Todd County Attorney, Minnesota Liquor Control Commissioner, nominee for Associate Justice of the Supreme Court in 1942 and 1944, and DFL candidate for Attorney General in 1950.
Benson was a resident of Minneapolis, accountant and tax consultant, nominee for HD 35 in 1944, DFL nominee for Railroad and Warehouse Commissioner in 1950's special election, and DFL candidate for Railroad and Warehouse Commissioner in 1950's regular election.
Weiss was a resident of Minneapolis, semi-retired transporation consultant, and GOP candidate for Railroad and Warehouse Commissioner in 1950's special and regular elections.
Iverson was a political novice from St. Paul and owner and operating of a retail shoe store.
Backdahl was a resident of Minneapolis and owner of Uptown Transfer Co.
Distad was a newspaper correspondent from Hayfield and candidate for the 1st CD in 1950.