Bill Hansen, businessman. Contested the 2002 and 2004 District 6A elections as the DFL endorsed candidate, losing the DFL nomination both times to David Dill.[3]
Eric Johnson, businessman. Contested the 2014 District 3A election as the Republican nominee.[4]
The DFL did not hold an endorsing convention that was originally scheduled for September 19. In announcing his decision to cancel the event, Senate District 3 DFL chair Paul Fish said that "[t]he voters of 3A deserve the opportunity to select the DFL candidate who best represents their interests. Therefore, a DFL endorsing convention for the 3A seat will not be held. Participation in the Sept. 29 primary is encouraged."[6]Cook County DFL chair Anton Moody, Lake County DFL chair Marlys Wisch, and St. Louis County DFL chair Kirsten Larsen, whose counties include District 3A, said that they disagreed with the decision, citing a lack of transparency.[7] The decision also upset DFL candidate Bill Hansen, who was considered to be the front-runner for the party endorsement.[8]