Elected by the state legislature in a joint convention. Drawing lots, Shields won election to the Class II seat expiring March 3, 1859 and Rice to the Class I seat expiring March 3, 1863.
Rice was nominated by the Democrats on December 15, 1857 receiving a majority of 56 of 61 votes on the first ballot. Shields was nominated on the fourth ballot outlasting three other Democrats: Frank Steele, Willis A. Gorman, and Joseph R. Brown.
Rice was a two-term Democratic U.S. Delegate (1853-1857). Shields was a former Governor of Oregon Territory (1848-1849) and U.S. Senator from Illinois (1849-1855).
Huff was an organizer of Winona County and founder of the Winona Express.
Cooper was a former Associate Justice of the Minnesota Territorial Supreme Court (1849-1853).
Ramsey was a former Whig U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania (CD 14, 1843-1847), Minnesota Territorial Governor (1849-1853), and Mayor of St. Paul (1855).