Atwood was appointed to the office by Governor Hjalmar Petersen on November 13, 1936 following the death of Commissioner Knud Wefald on October 25, 1936. Atwood was a resident of Winona, former machinist, former state Representative (HD 02, 1925-1935), and supervisor of employment of the Works Progress Administration for 13 Minnesota counties. Atwood was the party-endorsed candidate.
Nelson was a resident of South St. Paul.
Carlson was a railroad telegrapher from Plummer.
Johnsen was a resident of St. Paul.