Senator Durenberger did not seek a fourth term after being denounced by the U.S. Senate in 1990 for unethical conduct. He later pled guilty in 1995 to misuse of public funds.
Grams was a resident of Anoka, former broadcaster, president and CEO of Sun Ridge Builders, and sitting U.S. Representative (CD 06, 1993-1995).
Dyrstad was a resident of Red Wing, owner of the Red Wing Corner Drug Store, former Mayor of Red Wing (1985-1991), and sitting Lieutenant Governor (1991-1995).
Stassen was a resident of Sunfish Lake, former three-term governor (1939-1943), former President of the University of Pennsylvania (1948-1953), candidate for Mayor of Philadelphia in 1959, candidate for Governor of Pennsylvania in 1966, candidate for U.S. Senate in 1978, candidate for Governor of Minnesota in 1982, nominee for the 4th CD in 1986, and candidate for president nine times.
Zeleniak was a retired physicist from Columbia Heights, Independent-Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in 1988 and 1990, and Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in 1996.