Rudy Perpich Democratic (DFL) Arne Carlson Ind.-Republican The 1990 Minnesota gubernatorial election took place on November 6, 1990.

This remains the last gubernatorial election in Minnesota to date in which an incumbent governor ran for reelection to a third consecutive term.

Carlson, who had launched a write-in campaign against both Perpich and Grunseth, was named the replacement nominee by default as the runner-up in the primary.

Two other women corroborated their allegations, and nine other attendees submitted sworn affidavits stating that they had witnessed nude swimming at the party.

Polls at the time suggested that Perpich would easily win the three-way race but lose to Carlson if Grunseth dropped out.

However, the Independent-Republicans determined that they lacked the explicit power to choose a new candidate, and Carlson was automatically awarded the nomination by virtue of finishing second in the primary.