Hilton became the first Minnesotan to win five general elections in the race for attorney general. Hilton did not serve out the term, however, as he was appointed Associate Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court on January 1, 1928 by Governor Theodore Christianson. Hilton filled the vacancy caused by the resignation of Associate Justice James Quinn. Christianson appointed Albert Pratt to succeed Hilton (who died on January 28, 1928) and then Assistant Attorney General Gustaf (G. Aaron) Youngquist on February 2, 1928 to succeed Pratt.
McAllister and Cahill were both St. Paul attorneys.