[1] It was the first direct Karelia head election in 15 years since Sergey Katanandov won his second term in April 2002.

[2] Khudilainen allegedly wanted to seek reelection, however, several factors attributed to his resignation, including conflicts with local elite, poor ratings and problems with emergency shelter resettlement program.

Regional leader of A Just Russia Irina Petelyaeva initially was rumoured to be Parfenchikov's candidate for a Federation Council, in exchange the party didn't field State Duma member Anatoly Greshnevikov against acting Governor Dmitry Mironov in Yaroslavl Oblast gubernatorial election, however, the arrangement feel through and Petelyaeva launched her campaign.

[6] One of main republican opposition parties, Yabloko declined to nominate a candidate, citing inability to pass through a municipal filter.

Aleksandr Rakitin was appointed to the Federation Council, replacing incumbent Senator Sergey Katanandov.