Special election for the unexpired term ending January 3, 1983 caused by the death of Hubert Humphrey on January 13, 1978. Widow and appointed incumbent Muriel Humphrey did not seek the DFL nomination.
Short was a millionaire businessman from Minneapolis, owner of hotel and truck lines, former owner of the Washington Senators-Texas Rangers, DFL candidate for the 3rd CD in 1946, and DFL nominee for Lieutenant Governor in 1966.
Fraser was an attorney from Minneapolis, former state Senator (SD 1955-1963), sitting U.S. Representative (CD 05, 1963-1979), and eventual Mayor of Minneapolis (1980-1993). Fraser was the party-endorsed candidate.
Anderson was a resident of St. Paul, real estate saleswoman, licensed cosmetologist, ordained minister, and part-time waitress. Anderson was an Independent-Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in 1988, Independent-Republican candidate for Attorney General in 1982, 1986, and 1990, Independent-Republican nominee for Attorney General in 1994, Republican nominee for Attorney General in 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2018. Anderson was an Independent-Republican nominee for HD 65A in 1980, Independent-Republican candidate for HD 64A in 1984 and 1992, and Republican candidate for HD 64A in 2008. Anderson was an Independent-Republican candidate in the Minnesota presidential primary in 1992. She was also a Republican candidate for SD 64 in 1996, 2000, and 2016 and a nominee for the office in 2012.
Palmer was a resident of Minneapolis, candidate for HD 31 in 1946, 1950, 1954, 1956, and 1960, and candidate for SD 42 in 1962, and candidate for HD 42 in 1964.