Minnesota AG Keith Ellison announces 2026 third-term bid

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, a Democrat first elected in 2018, has announced his bid for a third term in 2026, emphasizing his ongoing fight to create a fair economy and combat what he describes as federal overreach from the Trump administration. Throughout his tenure, Ellison has pursued legal actions against policies from the Trump administration, including lawsuits related to transgender rights, defunding Planned Parenthood, and other federal actions, while also addressing consumer protection issues such as insulin price reductions and opioid litigation. He faces criticism from Republicans, particularly from GOP candidate Ron Schutz, who accuses Ellison of allowing violent crime to rise and mismanaging taxpayer funds amid numerous fraud investigations. Despite a narrow victory in 2022, Ellison expresses confidence in expanding support beyond the metropolitan areas and framing the election as a referendum on President Trump's policies. Ellison’s campaign highlights his record of prosecuting Medicaid fraud and defending Minnesota's rights in court, while Republicans aim to capitalize on concerns about crime and government fraud in the upcoming election. The race is expected to be competitive, with Ellison's experience and legal battles against federal policies central to his campaign message.