Dunham graduated from the University of Iowa College of Law.

Further candidates considered were Albert F. Ulmer of Menno, Ralph Hutchinson of Huron, William Holland of Webster, D.C. "Cliff" Walsh of Miller, the 1948 Democrat nominee decided that he would not run again.

[2] On July 17, 1950, the Republican convention was held in Pierre.

Five candidates competed: Gene Pruitt of Sioux Falls; Ralph Dunham of Clark; Rex Sheild of Salem; Dave MacFarlane of Montrose and Raymond Heib of Ipswich who withdrew before the voting began.

[5] Dunham was re-elected as Attorney General with 187,888 votes with Democrat C.W.