This was the first Republican primary for Lieutenant Governor with eight candidates, besting the previous mark of seven in the 1930 primary.
Anderson was renominated for a second term.
Ellsworth was an attorney from Minneapolis, former Watonwan County prosecuting attorney (1905-1909), former U.S. Representative (CD 02, 1915-1921), and candidate for Governor in 1920, 1922, 1924, and 1932. He also was a candidate for Lieutenant Governor in 1934, 1936, and 1942.
Lunquist was an attorney from Minneapolis.
Johnson worked in the insurance business in Duluth, was a former state Representative (HD 59, 1925-1937) and House Speaker (1935-1937), and 1938 candidate for Lieutenant Governor.
Lund was a banker and attorney from Vining, a former state Senator (SD 50, 1923-1931), and a Republican candidate for Treasurer in 1920, for Lieutenant governor in 1930, as an independent for the U.S. Senate in 1930, and as a Republican for an at-large U.S. House seat in 1932 and for the 9th CD in 1938.
Olsen was a farmer from Forest Lake. He was also a candidate for Lieutenant Governor in 1954.
Ruotsinoja was a farmer from Kimball and former state Senator (SD 26, 1935-1939).
Borchardt was a resident of Minneapolis who worked for a government service training institution.