Youngdahl was an attorney from Minneapolis, former Assistant City Attorney of Minneapolis (1921-1924), former Minneapolis Municipal Court Judge (1930-1936), and eventual Governor (1947-1951). Youngdahl resigned on March 15, 1946 to run for governor. Governor Edward Thye appointed William Christianson to fill the vacancy on March 26, 1946. Christianson was a Red Wing City Attorney.
Gallagher was a Minneapolis attorney, Democratic nominee for Attorney General in 1936, and Democratic nominee for Governor in 1938.
Peterson was an attorney from Long Prairie, former Todd County Attorney, Minnesota Liquor Control Commissioner, nominee for Associate Justice of the Supreme Court in 1944, DFL candidate for Attorney General in 1950, and DFL candidate for Railroad and Warehouse Commissioner in 1952.
Anderson was an attorney from Buffalo and Wright County Probate Judge. Although he placed fifth in the Top 4 September 1942 primary, Anderson moved on to the general election after the death of Associate Justice Royal Stone on September 13, 1942.