Senator Mondale was reelected to a third term. Mondale resigned on December 30, 1976 following his election to the Office of Vice-President of the United States on November 2, 1976. DFL Governor Wendell Anderson resigned his post to be appointed to Mondale's seat by his successor on December 30, 1976. Republican Rudy Boschwitz, who defeated Senator Anderson in the 1978 general election was appointed to the U.S. Senate on December 30, 1978 for the unexpired term ending January 3, 1979 to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Anderson on December 29, 1978.
Hansen was an ordained minister from Roseville.
Heck was a school janitor from White Bear Lake, Industrial Government nominee for Governor in 1970, and nominee for Lieutenant Governor in 1974. He was nominated by petition.