Attorney General Keith Ellison Announces Re-Election Bid

(KNSI) — Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison says he will be seeking a second term.

Ahead of a news conference scheduled for Monday afternoon, a press release announced his official reelection bid.

Ellison was the lead on the prosecution team that tried and convicted former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in connection to the death of George Floyd in May of 2020. He was also in charge of suing businesses that opened the doors for in-person service during the COVID-19 lockdowns. One of them was Kris Schiffler, owner of six Shady’s Bar and Grill locations around central Minnesota. He was set to open the Shady’s in Albany but didn’t on the advice of his lawyer after Ellison filed a restraining order to stop him.

Ellison, a Democrat, is expected to be backed by U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter III, and Minnesota Farmers’ Union President Gary Wertish.

Republican challenger Doug Wardlow issued a statement on Ellison’s reelection bid. He called his time in office “a disaster for all Minnesotans,” saying Ellison fostered a “climate of lawlessness that has led to skyrocketing crime across our state” and is continuing to push a “dangerous defund the police agenda.”

“Keith Ellison lost the confidence of voters around the state the moment he chose ‘Defund the Police’ politics over the safety and well-being of Minnesotans. Ellison’s days as top cop are numbered as folks across Minnesota reject his radical agenda and will show that by electing a Republican who will value the rule of law, protect their families, and back the blue.” – RNC Spokesperson Preya Samsundar

So far, two other Republicans, Dennis Smith, and Lynne Torgerson, have also announced their candidacy for the AG’s office. The three will take part in a Minnesota Attorney General GOP Candidate Forum to be moderated by KNSI’s Dan “the Ox” Oschner on November 30th. The forum will be held starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Kelly Inn – St. Cloud.

___