Career Timeline of Keith Ellison: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Keith Ellison made an impact.

Keith Ellison is an American politician and lawyer, currently serving as the 30th attorney general of Minnesota since 2019. Prior to this role, he was the U.S. representative for Minnesota's 5th congressional district from 2007 to 2019. He also served as Deputy Chair of the Democratic National Committee (2017-2018) and as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives (2003-2007). He is a member of the Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL).

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1989: Wrote Columns for Minnesota Daily

In 1989, as a law student, Keith Ellison wrote several columns under the name "Keith E. Hakim" in the student newspaper, the Minnesota Daily.

1990: Wrote Columns for Minnesota Daily

In 1990, as a law student, Keith Ellison wrote several columns under the name "Keith E. Hakim" in the student newspaper, the Minnesota Daily, defending Louis Farrakhan and calling affirmative action a "sneaky" form of compensation for slavery.

1995: Organized Minnesota Contingent at Million Man March

In 1995, Keith Ellison helped organize the Minnesota contingent at the Million Man March.

1995: Defended Farrakhan after Million Man March

In 1995, Keith Ellison, under the name "Keith X Ellison," wrote defenses of Louis Farrakhan against accusations of antisemitism after the Million Man March.

1997: Defended Farrakhan again

In 1997, Keith Ellison, under the name "Keith X Ellison," wrote defenses of Louis Farrakhan against accusations of antisemitism.

November 2002: Election to Minnesota House of Representatives

In November 2002, Keith Ellison was elected to his first public office as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives, serving House district 58B.

2002: Saudi Peace Plan

In April 2007, during a visit to the Middle East as part of a congressional delegation, Ellison and other representatives met with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and discussed the peace plan devised by the Saudis in 2002.

2003: Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives

In 2003, Keith Ellison became a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives, serving until 2007.

2004: Re-election to Minnesota House of Representatives

In 2004, Keith Ellison was re-elected to his seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives with 84% of the vote.

May 6, 2006: DFL Convention Endorsement

On May 6, 2006, Keith Ellison won the Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL) endorsement at the party convention over nine other candidates, leading 2-to-1 on the first ballot, and winning endorsement on the fourth ballot.

September 12, 2006: Primary Election Victory

On September 12, 2006, Keith Ellison won the primary election with 41% of the vote, facing former state senator Ember Reichgott Junge, Minneapolis city council member Paul Ostrow, and Sabo's chief of staff Mike Erlandson.

November 7, 2006: Election to the House of Representatives

On November 7, 2006, Keith Ellison was elected to the House of Representatives.

November 14, 2006: Glenn Beck Interview

On November 14, 2006, Glenn Beck of CNN Headline News questioned Keith Ellison, asking him to prove he was not working with America's enemies. Ellison affirmed his patriotism and love for the country in response.

November 2006: Election to U.S. House of Representatives

In November 2006, Keith Ellison won the election for the U.S. House of Representatives, facing Republican Alan Fine, the Green Party's Jay Pond, and Tammy Lee of the Independence Party, securing the seat with 56% of the vote.

November 18, 2006: Speech to North American Imams Federation

On November 18, 2006, Keith Ellison gave a speech titled "Imams and Politics" to the North American Imams Federation, addressing the role of Imams in guiding Muslims involved in political activities and the extent of involvement of Islamic centers in politics. He also participated in "Community Night" with other Imams, which later involved participants in the Flying Imams controversy.

December 27, 2006: Speech at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church

On December 27, 2006, Keith Ellison spoke at a meeting in Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Detroit for Metropolitan Organizing Strategy Enabling Strength (MOSES), emphasizing that his faith guides his life but he does not intend to impose it on others. He also addressed the Qur'an Oath controversy, expressing his hope that religion could unite rather than divide.

2006: Controversy over Nation of Islam Involvement

During Keith Ellison's 2006 campaign, Republican blogger Michael Brodkorb revealed posts about Ellison's Minnesota Daily articles and his involvement with the Nation of Islam, leading Ellison to denounce the Nation of Islam and Farrakhan in a letter to the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota & the Dakotas.

2006: Fundraiser Controversy

During the 2006 election, Nihad Awad and James Yee spoke at an August 25 fundraiser for Keith Ellison. Ellison faced criticism for accepting contributions from CAIR leaders, with his Republican opponent Alan Fine alleging CAIR's ties to terrorism. Ellison defended his actions by stating he disclosed all contributions and was supported by individuals, not the organization itself.

January 4, 2007: Swearing-in Ceremony

On January 4, 2007, Keith Ellison was sworn into the House of Representatives. He received national attention for using an English translation of the Qur'an that once belonged to President Thomas Jefferson for his reenacted swearing-in ceremony.

January 8, 2007: Ellison responds to Iraq War troop surge proposal

On January 8, 2007, when asked by the Associated Press for his reaction to Bush's proposal for an Iraq War troop surge, Ellison stated that it was "way too late, way too little" and advocated for beginning to end the occupation, favoring political, economic, and diplomatic engagement over military solutions.

January 10, 2007: Bush announces Iraq War troop surge

On January 10, 2007, President Bush announced his plans for the Iraq War troop surge of 2007. This announcement followed comments from Ellison on January 8, expressing that the surge was "way too late, way too little" and calling for an immediate withdrawal from Iraq.

February 2007: Tim Pawlenty visits Iraq

In February 2007, Republican Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty visited Iraq along with five other governors. Ellison noted and respected any politician who visited Iraq to show support for the troops.

April 2007: Ellison visits the Middle East as part of congressional delegation

In April 2007, Ellison was part of a congressional delegation that traveled to the Middle East, visiting sites such as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Western Wall, and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Ellison described his visit to the Al-Aqsa Mosque as "personally moving". The delegation met with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

May 3, 2007: Introduction of Bill to Outlaw Universal Default

On May 3, 2007, Keith Ellison introduced a bill to outlaw universal default, the practice whereby credit card companies raise interest rates on customers who are behind on payments to other creditors. The provision ultimately became law in 2009 as part of the "Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights" portion of the Credit CARD Act of 2009.

June 28, 2007: Ellison cosponsors bill to impeach Dick Cheney

On June 28, 2007, Ellison cosponsored Representative Dennis Kucinich's bill to impeach Vice President Dick Cheney for "high crimes and misdemeanors". Ellison's spokesperson clarified that the effort primarily aimed to send a message about the importance of the rule of law.

July 8, 2007: Ellison denounces Bush's commutation of Lewis Libby's sentence

On July 8, 2007, Ellison delivered a speech in Edina, Minnesota, criticizing President Bush's commutation of Lewis Libby's sentence. He suggested that if Libby were pardoned, he should be compelled to testify truthfully. Ellison also criticized the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, calling it a public relations arm for the Bush administration's outreach to the far-right evangelical Christian movement.

July 25, 2007: Ellison votes to issue contempt of Congress citations

On July 25, 2007, Ellison, as a member of the House Judiciary Committee, voted to issue citations of contempt of Congress to White House Chief of Staff Joshua Bolten and former White House Counsel Harriet Miers for failing to comply with subpoenas related to the firings of several federal prosecutors.

2007: U.S. Representative

In 2007, Keith Ellison became the U.S. representative for Minnesota's 5th congressional district, representing the Minneapolis region until 2019.

January 2008: Ellison visits Norway

In January 2008, Ellison visited Norway due to the country's role in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and the Norwegian-American heritage of many of his constituents. He met with former Norwegian Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik.

March 21, 2008: Ellison criticizes China's Tibet policy

On March 21, 2008, Ellison issued a statement criticizing the Chinese government for its Tibet policy and its relationship with Sudan's leaders "as they commit genocide on the citizens of Darfur."

2008: Ellison joins U.S. House Democracy Assistance Commission delegation to Africa

In mid-2008, Ellison was part of a U.S. House Democracy Assistance Commission delegation that visited six African countries. Upon returning, Ellison emphasized the importance of peace and security in a globalized world. He also met Sarah Hussein Onyango Obama in Nairobi, Kenya.

2008: Ellison becomes first Muslim elected to U.S. Congress

With his victory to the United States House of Representatives in 2008, Ellison became the first Muslim elected to the U.S. Congress and the highest Muslim elected official in the United States. His election is seen as inspirational to American Muslims, and he encourages civic empowerment through participation in the political process.

February 19, 2009: Ellison visits Gaza to view destruction from Gaza War

On February 19, 2009, Ellison, along with Representative Brian Baird, visited Gaza to assess the damage from the Gaza War and meet with relief agencies, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. This visit was the first by any U.S. government official to Gaza in over three years.

2009: Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights

In 2009, the bill to outlaw universal default, that Keith Ellison introduced on May 3, 2007, ultimately became law as part of the "Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights" portion of the Credit CARD Act of 2009.

April 3, 2014: Introduction of Money Remittances Improvement Act

On April 3, 2014, Keith Ellison introduced the Money Remittances Improvement Act of 2014 (H.R. 4386; 113th Congress) into the United States House to make it easier for nonbank financial institutions to provide remittance payments internationally.

2014: Publication of My Country 'Tis of Thee

In 2014, Keith Ellison's book My Country 'Tis of Thee was published.

2015: Ellison votes against Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act

In 2015, Ellison was one of only five Democrats in Congress who voted against the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act. He supported normalizing Iran-United States relations and reopening an interest section or embassy in Tehran, arguing that maintaining contact is beneficial for both countries.

November 2016: Endorsements for DNC Chairmanship

In November 2016, Keith Ellison was endorsed by Senator Bernie Sanders and incoming Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for the position of DNC chair.

2016: CNN Report on Ellison's Involvement

In 2016, CNN referred to Keith Ellison's "decade-long involvement in the Nation of Islam", which added to his controversies.

2016: Ellison endorses Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton

In 2016, Ellison endorsed Bernie Sanders for president in the Democratic primary, becoming the second U.S. Representative to do so. After Hillary Clinton secured the party's nomination, Ellison endorsed her as well.

February 2017: Election as DNC Deputy Chair

In February 2017, despite being perceived as the front-runner, Tom Perez was elected DNC chair and subsequently motioned for Keith Ellison to be elected "deputy chair".

August 17, 2017: Ellison supports guaranteed basic income

On August 17, 2017, Ellison publicly stated his support for the concept of a guaranteed basic income.

2017: Ellison open to impeachment process against Donald Trump

In 2017, Ellison expressed openness to demands for initiating an impeachment process against President Donald Trump, stating that Trump had already taken actions that legitimately raised the question of impeachment.

2017: Deputy Chair of the Democratic National Committee

In 2017, Keith Ellison became the Deputy Chair of the Democratic National Committee.

2017: Campaign for Democratic National Committee Chairmanship

In 2017, Keith Ellison garnered national attention in his campaign for the Democratic National Committee chairmanship, gaining support from progressive groups and senators Bernie Sanders and Chuck Schumer. However, his past statements and affiliation with the Nation of Islam drew criticism, and he lost to Tom Perez, who subsequently appointed him deputy chair.

2017: Run for DNC Chairmanship

In 2017, after Donna Brazile resigned, Keith Ellison ran for the chairmanship of the Democratic National Committee, along with other candidates. Ellison was a top contender and viewed as a progressive alternative. The race was seen by some as a proxy battle between the Clinton and Sanders factions of the party.

June 5, 2018: Announcement to Run for Minnesota Attorney General

On June 5, 2018, Keith Ellison announced that he would not seek reelection to a seventh term in Congress and would instead run for Minnesota Attorney General.

November 6, 2018: Election as Minnesota Attorney General

On November 6, 2018, Keith Ellison won the election for Attorney General of Minnesota, becoming the first African American elected to statewide office in Minnesota, as well as the first Muslim elected to a statewide office in the United States.

November 8, 2018: Resignation as DNC Deputy Chair

On November 8, 2018, Keith Ellison resigned as deputy chair of the Democratic National Committee to focus on his upcoming tenure as Attorney General of Minnesota.

2018: Support for Reward Work Act of 2018

In 2018, Keith Ellison voiced his support for the Reward Work Act of 2018, which aims to reform US labor and corporate law by granting employees in listed companies the right to elect one-third of the board of directors.

2018: Election as Attorney General of Minnesota

In 2018, Keith Ellison was elected attorney general of Minnesota, becoming the first African American elected to partisan statewide office in Minnesota and the first Muslim in the U.S. to win statewide office.

2018: End of term as Deputy Chair of the Democratic National Committee

In 2018, Keith Ellison's term as Deputy Chair of the Democratic National Committee ended.

June 28, 2019: Ellison endorses Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden

On June 28, 2019, Ellison endorsed Bernie Sanders for president, citing Medicare for All. He later endorsed Joe Biden after Biden won the Democratic nomination.

December 2019: Impeachment of Donald Trump

By December 2019, when Donald Trump was impeached, Ellison was no longer serving in the House of Representatives.

2019: Attorney General of Minnesota

In 2019, Keith Ellison became the 30th attorney general of Minnesota.

May 31, 2020: Appointed special prosecutor in Derek Chauvin case

On May 31, 2020, Keith Ellison was appointed as special prosecutor in the Derek Chauvin case by Minnesota governor Tim Walz.

April 20, 2021: Chauvin convicted on all counts

On April 20, 2021, Derek Chauvin was convicted on all three counts. Keith Ellison's management of the prosecution garnered praise and fueled speculation about a potential run for higher office.

2022: Re-election as Attorney General of Minnesota

In 2022, Keith Ellison was reelected as Attorney General of Minnesota with 50.4% of the vote.

2023: Funding for Criminal Prosecutors Approved

In 2023, after the DFL gained majorities in both the state House and Senate, Keith Ellison's bill to fund more criminal prosecutors from his office passed and was signed into law.