Keith Ellison Will Seek Re-Election As Minnesota's Attorney General
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Keith Ellison is set to announce that he will seek re-election as Minnesota's attorney general.
Ellison, a former U.S. representative and deputy chair of the Democratic National Committee, will be seeking a second term after first being elected in 2018. Sen. Amy Klobuchar and St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter are also expected to announce their endorsements for Ellison.
In his first run, Ellison promised to "protect Minnesotans." His first term has been marked by suits against pharmaceutical companies, the Trump administration and Minnesota businesses that violated COVID-19 restrictions.
His most high-profile case was that of Derek Chauvin. The Attorney General's Office led the prosecution of the former Minneapolis police officer who was convicted of murdering George Floyd in April. Chauvin was sentenced to 22.5 years in prison. The Attorney General's Office will also lead the prosecution of Kim Potter, the ex-Brooklyn Center officer charged with manslaughter after fatally shooting Daunte Wright.
Ellison's first run was a contentious battle with Republican candidate Doug Wardlow. During the campaign, an ex-girlfriend accused Ellison of dragging her off a bed during an argument in 2016. Ellison denied the allegations, and an investigation by Minnesota Democratic leaders found they could not be substantiated.
Wardlow, who says he will also run again, released the following statement about Ellison's campaign:
Keith Ellison's tenure as Attorney General has been a disaster for all Minnesotans. He has fostered a climate of lawlessness that has led to skyrocketing crime across our state.
While crime continues to rise across the state, Keith Ellison continues to push his dangerous defund the police agenda. Most recently, Ellison actively campaigned for the Minneapolis ballot measure that would have defunded the Minneapolis Police Department, a measure that was strongly rejected at the ballot box by the citizens of Minneapolis.
Minnesota voters are fed up with Keith Ellison's radical agenda, and will not give him a second term. As Attorney General, I will ensure that the violent criminals who terrorize our communities are prosecuted aggressively. I will make sure that lawbreaking has consequences.
Unlike Keith Ellison, I will always support, celebrate, and honor those who put on the badge each day and risk their lives to protect the public and obtain justice for crime victims. Together, we will make Minnesota safe again!
Ellison was preceded by Lori Swanson. Minnesota has not had a Republican attorney general since 1970.
