 Hasdam initially ran with Nasdem member Nusyirwan Ismail, but the latter passed away before the election and was replaced by Rizal Effendi, Balikpapan mayor.Another mayor, Syaharie Ja'ang of Samarinda, also ran in the election with the support of Demokrat, PPP and PKB.His running mate Awang Ferdian Hidayat was a People's Representative Council member from PDI-P.

Former regent of East Kutai, Isran Noor, received the backing of Gerindra, PAN, and PKS.