Elmer Benson holds a foundational background in law, having studied at William Mitchell College of Law. He served in the U.S. Army during World War I, which likely contributed to his later leadership capabilities. Benson's career includes significant roles in both the public and private sectors, such as managing institutional risk in high-finance and serving as a state Commissioner of Securities. He transitioned into politics, briefly serving in the United States Senate and holding the office of governor. His professional expertise and leadership roles have been marked by pivotal policy decisions and political affiliations, including his association with the Farmer-Labor Party and the Progressive Party.

Elmer Benson's political career is marked by a blend of progressive economic policies and an ideological agility that often defies traditional party lines. His advocacy for progressive taxation, including higher income and corporate taxes, contrasts with his progressive party affiliations, revealing a nuanced approach to fiscal policy. Benson's dismissal of communism allegations as distractions showcases his strategic focus on tangible issues rather than ideological purity. His unique stance of rejecting the union with the Wisconsin Progressive Party highlights a localized, pragmatic approach to political alliances.