This was the first election for the office for a four-year term following the passage of a constitutional amendment in 1958 that provided for four-year terms for all state constitutional officers.
The 0.38-point margin is the most narrowly decided (stand-alone) election for Lieutenant Governor in Minnesota history. Prior to this cycle, the most competitive race was Farmer-Laborite Henry Aren's 2.33-point victory over Republican John Hougen in 1930. This was the first election for the office for a four-year term.
Keith was an attorney from Rochester and state Senator (SD 04, 1959-1963).
Peterson was an attorney from Edina, sitting state Representative (HD 36, 1959-1963), and eventual Associate Justice of the Supreme Court (1967-1986).