Associate Justice Gallagher was renominated in his campaign for a fifth term.
Peterson was an attorney from Minneapolis, former state Representative (HD 36, 1959-1963), and Republican nominee for Lieutenant Governor in 1962.
Knutson was a resident of Minneapolis and Fourth Judicial District Judge.
Foley was a resident of Wabasha, Third Judicial District Judge, former Wabasha City Attorney (1949-1959), former national commander of the American Legion, and candidate for Associate Justice of the Supreme Court in 1978.
Popvich was an attorney from Stillwater, former state Representative (HD 40, 1953-1963), eventual Associate Justice of the Supreme Court (1987-1989), and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (1989-1990).
Schultz was a resident of St. Paul, Second Judicial District Judge, and former state Senator (SD 37, 1951-1963).