AG Keith Ellison rules out governor bid, will seek third term
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced he will not run for governor in 2026 following Gov. Tim Walz’s decision not to seek re‑election and instead will seek a third term as attorney general. Ellison cited a federal ICE surge and what he called a “war on Minnesota” as reasons he’s best equipped to remain in the AG’s office, a move that ends DFL speculation about him as a potential top‑ticket replacement while the GOP governor’s field expands.
📌 Key Facts
- On Jan. 20, 2026, Attorney General Keith Ellison said he will not run for governor in 2026 after Gov. Tim Walz dropped his re‑election bid.
- Ellison confirmed he will instead seek a third term as Minnesota Attorney General.
- He cited a federal ICE surge and what he called a 'war on Minnesota' as key reasons he believes he’s 'best equipped' to remain in the AG’s office and defend Minnesotans.
- DFL discussion had included Ellison alongside Amy Klobuchar and Steve Simon as possible replacements atop the party’s ticket; his decision closes that door.
- FOX 9 contrasted the DFL’s still‑unsettled lineup without Ellison with a crowded GOP governor field that includes Demuth, Lindell, Madel, Robbins, Jensen and others.
📊 Relevant Data
The poverty rate for adult Somali immigrants in Minnesota is 37.5 percent, compared to 13.2 percent for all Minnesota adults, based on 2019-2023 data.
Somali Immigrants in Minnesota — Center for Immigration Studies
More than half (52 percent) of children in Somali immigrant homes in Minnesota live in poverty, while only 8 percent of children in native-born homes do, based on recent data.
Report: Nearly 90% of Somali homes with children in Minnesota on welfare — Alpha News
High unemployment rates, inadequate access to education and healthcare, and a lack of culturally sensitive support services contribute to higher involvement of Somali-American youth in the criminal justice system in Minnesota.
Community groups fight to divert Somali-American youth away from criminal justice system — Black News and Views
Operation Metro Surge has led to the closure or struggle of Somali-owned businesses in Minneapolis due to arrests and fear in the community.
Somali businesses struggle during the Minneapolis ICE crackdown — ABC News
Among those aged 18 to 54, the incarceration rate for Somali-born individuals in Minnesota is 1,170 per 100,000, compared to 290 per 100,000 for U.S.-born individuals, based on 2023 American Community Survey data.
Yes, Somali Immigrants Commit More Crime Than Natives — City Journal
📰 Source Timeline (3)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
- Ellison explicitly states he will not enter the 2026 governor’s race now that Gov. Tim Walz has dropped his re‑election bid.
- He confirms he will continue his campaign for a third term as Minnesota Attorney General.
- Ellison says the federal ICE surge and what he calls a 'war on Minnesota' are key reasons he believes he’s 'best equipped' to stay in the AG’s office and defend Minnesotans.
- FOX 9 notes that DFL chatter had included Ellison alongside Amy Klobuchar and Steve Simon as potential replacements atop the ticket; this closes that door.
- The piece contrasts a crowded GOP governor field (Demuth, Lindell, Madel, Robbins, Jensen and others) with the DFL’s still‑unsettled lineup minus Ellison.