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).
Gallagher was a Minneapolis attorney, Democratic nominee for Attorney General in 1936, and Democratic nominee for Governor in 1938.
Associate Justice Stone was renominated in his campaign for a fifth term. However, Stone died five days after the primary on September 13, 1942.
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 primary, Anderson moved on to the general election after the death of Associate Justice Royal Stone on September 13, 1942.
Melin was an attorney from Minneapolis making his second of 12 bids for the Court. Melin was also a candidate for Associate Justice of the Supreme Court in 1944 and 1946, nominee for Associate Justice of the Supreme Court in 1948, 1950, 1952, 1956, 1958, and 1962, nominee for Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in 1954, and candidate for Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in 1934 and 1960.
Enger was a resident of Austin, municipal judge, and nominee for Associate Justice of the Supreme Court in 1944.
Gardner was an attorney from St. Paul and candidate for Associate Justice of the Supreme Court in 1940.
Enersen was a resident of Marshall and Ninth Judicial District Judge.
Thoreen was a resident of Stillwater, former Minnesota Republican State Central Committee director of organization, Republican candidate for the 3rd CD in 1922, GOP candidate for Lieutenant Governor in 1930, and nominee for the SD 43 special election in March 1935.