Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison formally announced his intention to run for a third term in office on March 15, 2026. The announcement came during a press conference where Ellison emphasized his commitment to protecting consumers from what he described as “greedy corporations.” A former Democratic Congressman, Ellison was first elected as attorney general in 2018.
In his campaign announcement, Ellison outlined his priorities for another four years in office, stating, “I’m running for re-election to keep Minnesota a fair place, where rule of law prevails over power and privilege.” He highlighted his ongoing efforts to challenge the agenda of former President Donald Trump, noting his involvement in several significant lawsuits against the Republican administration. This includes a recent action aimed at challenging Trump’s executive order that seeks to ban transgender youth from participating in girls’ sports.
During his tenure, Ellison has made notable strides in addressing the high cost of healthcare. He has negotiated settlements with insulin manufacturers to lower prices for consumers and has initiated legal action against JUUL to secure funding for programs combating youth e-cigarette addiction. Such initiatives illustrate Ellison’s focus on consumer protection and public health.
As of now, Ellison stands as the only major candidate from the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party to announce a run for attorney general. His Republican opponent, Ron Schutz, an attorney affiliated with the conservative think tank Center of the American Experiment, launched his campaign earlier this month.
Ellison’s announcement adds to the political landscape in Minnesota, where several statewide leaders are also seeking re-election. Governor Tim Walz declared his intention to pursue a third four-year term in September, while State Auditor Julie Blaha, who is completing her second term, has confirmed she will not run again in 2026. Secretary of State Steve Simon, a fellow DFL member, is currently in his third term but has yet to announce his future plans.
The Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party has maintained control of all statewide constitutional offices since Governor Mark Dayton took office in early 2011. Notably, no Republican has held the position of Minnesota attorney general since 1971, indicating a long-standing Democratic stronghold in this role.
Ellison’s campaign is expected to focus on consumer rights and healthcare issues, which have been central to his agenda during his time in office. As the political landscape evolves, voters will be keenly observing how these dynamics unfold in the lead-up to the 2026 election.
