The election for this seat was for a six-year term.
Petersen was an editor and publisher from Askov, a former state Representative (HD 56, 1931-1935), Lieutenant Governor (1935-1936), sitting Governor (1936-1937), Farmer-Labor candidate for Governor in 1938, Farmer-Labor nominee for Governor in 1940 and 1942, Republican candidate for Governor in 1946, DFL candidate for Governor in 1950, and DFL candidate for U.S. Senate in 1958.
Johnson was a farmer from Round Lake, state vice chairman of the Farmer Holiday Association, Farmer-Labor candidate for Railroad and Warehouse Commissioner in 1934, and Farmer-Labor nominee for Railroad and Warehouse Commissioner in 1942.