Keith Maurice Ellison is a prominent American politician and lawyer affiliated with the Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party. He currently holds the position of Minnesota's 30th attorney general. His political journey includes serving as the U.S. representative for Minnesota's 5th congressional district (2007-2019), deputy chair of the Democratic National Committee (2017-2018), and a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives (2003-2007). Ellison is recognized for his progressive stance during his time in Congress.
1981: Ellison Graduates High School
Keith Ellison graduated from the University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy in 1981, where he participated in sports and student government.
1986: Ellison Graduates College, Marries High School Sweetheart, and Attends Law School
Keith Ellison earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in economics in 1986, married his high school sweetheart, and moved to Minneapolis to attend the University of Minnesota Law School.
1989: Ellison's Early Writings and Views
During 1989 and 1990, while a law student, Ellison, writing under the pseudonym "Keith E. Hakim," defended Louis Farrakhan against accusations of racism and anti-Semitism in the Minnesota Daily.
1989: Birth of Ellison's First Child
Ellison and his wife, Kim, welcomed their first child in 1989, marking the beginning of their family.
1990: Ellison's Early Writings and Views
During 1989 and 1990, while a law student, Ellison, writing under the pseudonym "Keith E. Hakim," defended Louis Farrakhan against accusations of racism and anti-Semitism in the Minnesota Daily.
1990: Ellison Earns Law Degree
In 1990, Keith Ellison obtained his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Minnesota Law School.
1992: Start of Ellison's Tax Issues
Keith Ellison's tax issues began in 1992, when he started failing to pay all or part of his income taxes for several years.
1995: Ellison's Involvement with the Nation of Islam
Ellison's continued defense of Farrakhan under the name "Keith X Ellison" following the Million Man March in 1995, raised concerns about his association with the Nation of Islam.
1995: Ellison's Involvement with the Million Man March
In 1995, Ellison helped organize the Minnesota contingent for the Million Man March, an event led by Louis Farrakhan, which sparked debate due to Farrakhan's controversial views.
1997: Ellison's Continued Defense of Farrakhan
Ellison's continued support for Farrakhan in 1997, despite growing criticism of Farrakhan's views, further fueled concerns about his own beliefs.
1997: Birth of Ellison's Fourth Child
In 1997, Ellison and Kim had their fourth child, expanding their family. Despite their differing religious backgrounds, they raised their children in the Muslim faith.
2000: End of Ellison's Tax Issues
Keith Ellison's tax issues, which began in 1992, continued until 2000. He eventually repaid over $18,000 in taxes and penalties.
November 2002: Ellison Elected to Minnesota House of Representatives
Keith Ellison won his first public office in November 2002, becoming a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives for District 58B. He was appointed to various committees.
2002: Ellison's Move to Minnesota and Entry into Politics
After moving to Minnesota for law school, Keith Ellison was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2002 and served two terms.
2002: Discussion of Saudi peace plan
In 2002, the Saudi peace plan was devised, which later became a topic of discussion during Keith Ellison's congressional delegation trip to the Middle East in 2007. The plan aimed to address the Israel-Palestine conflict.
2002: Allegations of Campaign Finance Violations Surface Against Ellison
Allegations of campaign finance violations against Keith Ellison, which surfaced in 2006, stemmed from events that allegedly took place between 2002 and 2004.
2003: Ellison's Entry into Minnesota Politics
Keith Ellison's political career began in 2003 when he became a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives, serving until 2007.
2004: Ellison Re-elected to Minnesota House, Serves on Committees
Keith Ellison was re-elected to his seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives with 84% of the vote in 2004. He continued serving on various committees.
2005: Ellison Investigated for Campaign Finance Violations
In 2005, the Minnesota State Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board launched an investigation into Keith Ellison for campaign finance violations. He was subsequently subpoenaed, fined, and faced legal action.
May 6, 2006: Ellison Wins DFL Endorsement for Congress
On May 6, 2006, Keith Ellison secured the Democratic–Farmer–Labor (DFL) party's endorsement for his congressional run, beating nine other candidates.
September 12, 2006: Ellison Wins Democratic Primary for Congress
Keith Ellison won the Democratic primary for Congress on September 12, 2006, with 41% of the vote, overcoming scrutiny of his past driving and tax records.
November 7, 2006: Ellison Elected to U.S. House of Representatives
Keith Ellison was elected to the House of Representatives on November 7, 2006.
November 2006: Ellison Elected to U.S. House of Representatives
Keith Ellison was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in November 2006.
November 18, 2006: Ellison's Speech on Imams and Politics
On November 18, 2006, Ellison delivered a speech titled "Imams and Politics" at the Fourth Annual Body Meeting of the North American Imams Federation. His speech focused on the role of Muslims in politics and the potential for divisiveness arising from differing political views.
December 27, 2006: Ellison Addresses Interfaith Relations in Detroit
On December 27, 2006, Ellison spoke at a meeting in Detroit, emphasizing that while his Islamic faith guides his life, he doesn't intend to impose it on others. He also expressed hope that religion could be a unifying force.
2006: Ellison's Campaign Fundraiser and CAIR Connections
During his 2006 campaign, Ellison held a fundraiser where speakers included individuals associated with the Council on American–Islamic Relations (CAIR), raising questions about the organization's influence. Ellison maintained transparency in his campaign financing and clarified that he received support from individuals, not CAIR as an organization.
2006: Ellison Reprimanded by Minnesota Campaign Finance Board
The Minnesota State Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board reprimanded Keith Ellison in early 2006 for campaign finance violations alleged to have occurred between 2002 and 2004.
2006: Misconduct Allegation by Amy Alexander
In 2006, environmental activist Amy Alexander accused Ellison, who was married at the time, of being in a romantic relationship with her, and alleged he had been physically and verbally abusive. Ellison denied the accusations, claiming Alexander harassed him and threatened to "destroy" him. A judge granted Ellison's request for a restraining order against Alexander.
2006: Ellison's Candidacy for Congress
Following the retirement announcement of U.S. Representative Martin Olav Sabo, Keith Ellison announced his candidacy for Congress in the 2006 election.
2006: Ellison Addresses Nation of Islam Ties
During his 2006 campaign, Ellison addressed past ties with the Nation of Islam, distancing himself from Farrakhan's views and expressing regret for not recognizing and condemning anti-Semitic remarks sooner. Despite this, he received support from some prominent Jewish figures.
2006: Kim Ellison's Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis Revealed
During Ellison's 2006 campaign, it was publicly revealed that his wife, Kim, had been living with multiple sclerosis for several years.
January 2, 2007: Beck and Ellison's Off-Air Conversation
On January 2, 2007, Glenn Beck stated that he and Ellison had a friendly off-air conversation following Beck's controversial comments and that Ellison did not take offense.
January 4, 2007: Ellison Sworn In, Sparks Controversy with Quran Choice
Keith Ellison was sworn into the U.S. House of Representatives on January 4, 2007. His decision to use a Quran that once belonged to Thomas Jefferson for his swearing-in ceremony sparked both praise and criticism.
January 8, 2007: Pre-announcement reaction to Iraq War troop surge
On January 8, 2007, before President Bush officially announced the Iraq War troop surge, Keith Ellison criticized the idea, calling it "way too late, way too little." He advocated for beginning the process of ending the occupation and expressed hesitation to support additional war funding without a clear exit plan.
January 9, 2007: Beck Acknowledges Poorly Worded Question
On January 9, 2007, Glenn Beck admitted that his question to Ellison about proving he was not working with enemies was poorly phrased, while clarifying his intention was to urge standing up against extremism.
January 10, 2007: Reaction to Iraq War troop surge
On January 10, 2007, Keith Ellison reacted to President Bush's announcement of the Iraq War troop surge by criticizing it as too little and too late. He called for an immediate withdrawal from Iraq, emphasizing the need for political, economic, and diplomatic engagement instead of continued military involvement.
April 2007: Congressional delegation trip to the Middle East
In late March and early April 2007, Keith Ellison was part of a congressional delegation on a fact-finding trip to the Middle East. The group, led by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, visited significant religious sites and met with Israeli and Palestinian leaders to discuss the 2002 Saudi peace plan.
May 3, 2007: Ellison Introduces Bill to Ban Universal Default
Keith Ellison introduced a bill to prohibit the practice of universal default by credit card companies on May 3, 2007.
June 28, 2007: Cosponsorship of Cheney impeachment bill
On June 28, 2007, Keith Ellison cosponsored a bill by Representative Dennis Kucinich to impeach Vice President Dick Cheney for "high crimes and misdemeanors." Ellison's spokesperson stated that this effort was primarily symbolic, emphasizing the rule of law and the principle that no one, including the vice president, is above the law.
July 8, 2007: Speech against Bush's commutation of Libby's sentence
On July 8, 2007, Keith Ellison gave a speech in Edina, Minnesota, criticizing President Bush's commutation of Lewis Libby's sentence. He argued that Libby should tell the truth if pardoned and criticized the Bush administration's Faith-Based and Community Initiatives as a public-relations tool targeting the evangelical Christian movement.
July 25, 2007: Vote to issue contempt citations
On July 25, 2007, Keith Ellison voted in the House Judiciary Committee to issue citations of contempt of Congress to White House Chief of Staff Joshua Bolten and former White House Counsel Harriet Miers. The citations were for their failure to comply with subpoenas related to the firings of several federal prosecutors.
August 8, 2007: Sali's Criticism of Non-Christian Invocation
On August 8, 2007, Representative Bill Sali sparked controversy by criticizing the Senate for permitting a Hindu prayer, arguing that it undermined America's Christian foundations.
2007: Ellison's Trip to the Middle East
In 2007, Ellison participated in a week-long trip to Israel sponsored by the American Israel Education Foundation. He met with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
2007: Ellison Begins Congressional Career
In 2007, Keith Ellison began his tenure as a U.S. Representative for Minnesota's 5th congressional district. He served in this role until 2019.
January 2008: Ellison's Visit to Norway
In January 2008, Ellison traveled to Norway to discuss the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and meet with former Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik.
March 21, 2008: Criticism of Chinese government policies
On March 21, 2008, Keith Ellison issued a statement criticizing the Chinese government for its policies in Tibet and its relationship with Sudanese leaders, whom he accused of committing genocide in Darfur.
2008: Ellison's Africa Trip
In mid-2008, Ellison joined a U.S. House Democracy Assistance Commission delegation to six African countries, including Liberia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Mauritania, and Kenya. During the trip, he met Sarah Hussein Onyango Obama, Barack Obama's step-grandmother.
2008: Ellison Becomes First Muslim Elected to U.S. Congress
With his election victory, Ellison became the first Muslim elected to the U.S. Congress. His election was seen as inspirational to American Muslims.
February 19, 2009: Ellison and Baird Visit Gaza
On February 19, 2009, Ellison and Representative Brian Baird visited Gaza to witness the destruction caused by the Gaza War. They met with international and local relief agencies, marking the first time a U.S. government official entered Gaza in over three years.
April 2009: Arrest for civil disobedience at Sudanese Embassy
In April 2009, Keith Ellison and seven other individuals, including U.S. Representatives James McGovern, John Lewis, Donna Edwards, and Lynn Woolsey, were arrested for civil disobedience at the Sudanese Embassy in Washington, D.C. They were protesting against Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir's expulsion of international aid groups from Darfur.
2009: Provision from Ellison's Bill Becomes Law
A provision from a bill introduced by Keith Ellison in 2007, aiming to ban universal default, was incorporated into the Credit CARD Act of 2009, becoming law.
2009: Ellison's Visits to Gaza
Ellison made three trips to Gaza since 2009, witnessing the aftermath of the Gaza War and meeting with relief agencies.
2009: 100% Rating from NARAL Pro-Choice America
Ellison received a 100% rating from NARAL Pro-Choice America in 2009, indicating a pro-choice voting record.
2009: Ellison Advocates for Open Discussion on Gaza
In 2009, Ellison expressed disappointment over not being able to visit Gaza during his 2007 Middle East trip. He called for a more balanced discussion on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
November 12, 2010: Interview with BBC's Outlook
On November 12, 2010, in an interview with BBC's Outlook, Ellison spoke about the diversity and values of his constituents, highlighting their support for religious tolerance and LGBTQ+ rights.
2010: Speech on U.S. Foreign Policy in the Middle East
In 2010, Ellison gave a speech where he questioned the U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, particularly its focus on Israel. He asked why a country of 7 million (referring to Israel) seemed to dictate policy for a region of 350 million.
2010: Ellison's Legal Separation
Ellison and his wife, Kim, filed for legal separation in 2010, marking a significant shift in their relationship.
2011: 100% Rating from NARAL Pro-Choice America
Ellison again received a 100% rating from NARAL Pro-Choice America in 2011, demonstrating a consistent pro-choice voting record.
2011: Ellison Receives Recognition and Awards
In 2011, Ellison was recognized for his work, receiving the Trailblazer Award from the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee and being named an Utne Reader visionary.
May 2, 2012: Ellison's Divorce
Ellison and Kim Ellison finalized their divorce on May 2, 2012, after being legally separated since 2010.
March 2014: Keith Ellison's stance on gun control
In March 2014, during an appearance on Real Time with Bill Maher, Keith Ellison expressed his support for gun control, emphasizing that eliminating ownership of all guns was not necessary for implementing common-sense gun rules. This statement led to a discussion involving host Bill Maher and guest Sheila Bair regarding the Second Amendment and President Obama's nomination of Vivek Murthy, who supported stronger gun regulations.
April 3, 2014: Ellison Introduces Money Remittances Improvement Act
On April 3, 2014, Keith Ellison introduced the Money Remittances Improvement Act of 2014 (H.R. 4386) to simplify international remittance payments for nonbank financial institutions.
2014: Publication of "My Country 'Tis of Thee"
Ellison's book, "My Country 'Tis of Thee," was published in 2014, offering his perspective on various issues.
2015: Vote against the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act
In 2015, Keith Ellison was one of only five Democrats in Congress to vote 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 diplomatic contact serves U.S. interests.
November 2016: Endorsements for DNC Chair Position
In November 2016, outgoing Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid endorsed Ellison for DNC chair. This followed endorsements from Senator Bernie Sanders, incoming Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, the AFL-CIO, and several elected officials in Congress.
November 2016: Kim Ellison's School Board Election
Kim Ellison was elected as an at-large member of the Minneapolis School Board in November 2016, after previously serving as vice-chair since 2012.
November 2016: Ellison Runs for DNC Chair
Keith Ellison ran for chair of the Democratic National Committee in November 2016. Despite garnering support from progressives, he lost to Tom Perez.
November 2016: Controversy Over Past Comments on Israel
In November 2016, Ellison faced opposition in his bid for DNC chair due to a resurfaced 2010 speech where his comments about U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East were interpreted as being critical of Israel. The Anti-Defamation League expressed concerns, and some, including Democratic Party donor Haim Saban, accused Ellison of anti-Semitism. However, others defended Ellison, saying his comments were taken out of context and highlighting his support for pro-Israel policies within the Democratic Party.
2016: CNN Reports on Ellison's Nation of Islam Involvement
In 2016, CNN published a report characterizing Ellison's involvement with the Nation of Islam as spanning a "decade-long involvement," reigniting scrutiny over his past affiliations.
2016: Endorsement of Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton
In 2016, Keith Ellison became the second U.S. Representative to endorse Bernie Sanders for president in the Democratic primary. After Hillary Clinton secured the party's nomination, he endorsed her as well.
2016: Opposition and Ideological Divisions in DNC Chair Race
During the 2016 DNC chair race, Ellison faced opposition from those concerned about his ability to serve full-time while in Congress. He pledged to resign if elected. Others opposed him based on ideological grounds, reflecting the party's divisions between centrist supporters of Hillary Clinton and the left wing that backed Bernie Sanders.
February 2017: Appointment as DNC Deputy Chair
In February 2017, after losing the DNC chair election, Ellison was appointed as deputy chair by the newly elected chair, Tom Perez. This move aimed to unify the party.
August 17, 2017: Support for guaranteed basic income
On August 17, 2017, Keith Ellison expressed his support for the concept of guaranteed basic income.
2017: Ellison Runs for DNC Chair, Highlighting Party Divisions
Following Donna Brazile's resignation, Keith Ellison ran for DNC chair in 2017, positioning himself as a progressive alternative and highlighting the divide between the Clinton and Sanders factions of the party.
2017: Open to impeachment process against Trump
In 2017, Keith Ellison stated he was open to starting an impeachment process against President Donald Trump, citing multiple actions by Trump that raised legitimate questions about impeachment.
2017: Ellison Becomes Deputy Chair of the Democratic National Committee
Keith Ellison was appointed as the deputy chair of the Democratic National Committee in 2017 and served until 2018.
June 5, 2018: Announcement of Candidacy for Minnesota Attorney General
On June 5, 2018, Ellison announced his decision to run for Minnesota Attorney General and not seek re-election to Congress.
August 2018: Misconduct Allegation by Karen Monahan
In August 2018, Ellison faced another accusation of misconduct, this time from his ex-girlfriend Karen Monahan. She alleged that Ellison had tried to drag her off a bed while shouting obscenities. Ellison denied the allegations, and an investigation by the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party found Monahan's accusation unsubstantiated.
November 6, 2018: Election as Minnesota Attorney General
On November 6, 2018, Ellison made history by becoming the first Muslim person to win a statewide office in the United States and the first African American elected to statewide office in Minnesota when he was elected Attorney General.
November 8, 2018: Resignation as DNC Deputy Chair
Ellison resigned from his position as DNC deputy chair on November 8, 2018, to prepare for his upcoming role as Attorney General of Minnesota.
2018: Ellison Steps Down as Deputy Chair, Runs for Minnesota Attorney General
In 2018, Keith Ellison concluded his term as the deputy chair of the Democratic National Committee. He decided to run for the position of Minnesota attorney general.
2018: Support for the Reward Work Act
In 2018, Ellison showed his support for the Reward Work Act, a bill aiming to reform US labor law and corporate law by giving employees in listed companies the right to elect one-third of the board of directors.
June 28, 2019: Endorsement of Bernie Sanders for president
On June 28, 2019, Keith Ellison endorsed Bernie Sanders for president, citing support for Medicare for All. He later endorsed Joe Biden after Biden won the Democratic nomination.
December 2019: Support for impeachment process against Trump
By December 2019, Keith Ellison, no longer serving in the House of Representatives, had previously expressed openness to demands for starting an impeachment process against President Donald Trump. He cited several actions by Trump that raised legitimate questions about impeachment.
2019: Lawsuit against Bloomington ordinance
In 2019, the city of Bloomington faced a lawsuit after passing an ordinance that forbade filming students of Dar Al-Farooq Islamic Center in a public park. The United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit ruled in favor of reinstating the First Amendment rights of the parties involved. Keith Ellison had asked the court to drop the case.
2019: Ellison Concludes Congressional Service
Keith Ellison concluded his service as the U.S. representative for Minnesota's 5th congressional district in 2019.
May 31, 2020: Appointment as Special Prosecutor in Derek Chauvin Case
Ellison was appointed as special prosecutor in the Derek Chauvin case on May 31, 2020, following the death of George Floyd. He took over the case from Hennepin County attorney Mike Freeman.
April 20, 2021: Conviction of Derek Chauvin
On April 20, 2021, Derek Chauvin was convicted on all charges related to the death of George Floyd. Ellison's handling of the prosecution as special prosecutor earned him praise from progressives.
2022: Ellison's Re-election as Minnesota Attorney General
Keith Ellison was re-elected as Minnesota Attorney General in a close race in 2022, securing 50.4% of the vote.