Gibson was a software developer from Edina and the party-endorsed candidate. Davis was an environmental activist from Minneapolis, Nutrition Rights Alliance gubernatorial nominee in 1994, Republican candidate for Governor in 2002 and 2010, American Party of Minnesota nominee for Governor in 2006, and DFL candidate for Governor in 2014.
Johnson was a retirement planner from Puquot Lakes, DFL nominee for the 6th CD in 1968, candidate for the 6th CD in 1974, and DFL candidate for the U.S. Senate in 1994.
Askew was a small business owner from Bloomington, former professional heavyweight boxer (1965-1985), and Independent-Republican nominee for HD 57B in 1986.