1952 Election Cycle

Minnesota brought back the presidential primary for the first time since 1916 with former Republican Governor Harold Stassen and DFL U.S. Senator Hubert Humphrey winning their party’s respective contests. In November, the GOP ended its five-cycle slide with Dwight Eisenhower carrying Minnesota by 11 points.

Republicans also held most major offices with Governor C. Elmer Anderson winning election to his first full term, Attorney General J.A.A. Burnquist winning his record eighth and final term, Treasurer Val Bjornson reelected to a second term, appointed Railroad and Warehouse Commissioner Wally Lund winning special and general elections. Additionally, former state Senator Ancher Nelsen was elected Lieutenant Governor for the GOP and Virginia Holm, widow of former 16-term Secretary of State Mike Holm, was elected to her late husband’s seat with special and general election victories. The DFL did flip one seat on the Railroad and Warehouse Commission with Paul Rasmussen carrying the open seat.

U.S. Senator Edward Thye won a second term and, for the second consecutive cycle, all nine incumbent U.S. Representatives were reelected – five Republicans and four DFLers.

Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Frank Gallagher was elected to a second term.