Senator Grams became the 10th incumbent U.S. Senator to lose reelection joining Democrat James Shields in 1859, Democrat Charles Towne in 1901, Republican Moses Clapp in 1916, Republican Frank Kellogg in 1922, Republican Henrik Shipstead in 1946, Republican Joseph Ball in 1948, Republican Edward J. Thye in 1958, DFLer Wendell Anderson in 1978, and Republican Rudy Boschwitz in 1990.
Dayton was a resident of Minneapolis and former state Commissioner of Department of Economic Development, DFL nominee for U.S. Senate in 1982, state Commissioner of Department of Energy and Economic Development, state Auditor (1991-1995), DFL candidate for Governor in 1998, and Governor (2011-2019).
Gibson was a software developer from Edina.
Daniels was a playwright and performance artist from Minneapolis and Grassroots nominee for Lieutenant Governor in 2014.
Ellis was a resident of St. Paul.
Swan was a computer systems analyst from Brooklyn Park.
Pakieser was a resident of Cannon Falls who worked in law enforcement and security.