Keith Ellison's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Keith Ellison. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

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 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.

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.

2009: 100% Rating from NARAL Pro-Choice America

In 2009, Keith Ellison received a 100% rating from NARAL Pro-Choice America, indicating a pro-choice voting record.

2011: 100% Rating from NARAL Pro-Choice America

In 2011, Keith Ellison received a 100% rating from NARAL Pro-Choice America, indicating a pro-choice voting record.

2011: Named Utne Reader Visionary

In 2011, Keith Ellison was named an Utne Reader visionary.

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.

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.

April 2020: Settlement with Forsman Farms to Prevent Price Gouging

In April 2020, Keith Ellison reached a settlement with Forsman Farms, preventing them from increasing egg prices by over 150% during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.

September 2021: Sparboe Farms Lawsuit Settled

In September 2021, Keith Ellison settled a lawsuit with Sparboe Farms, an egg producer accused of tripling prices during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sparboe donated over 1 million eggs to nonprofits.

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.

April 17, 2023: JUUL lawsuit settled

On April 17, 2023, the lawsuit against JUUL was settled, with JUUL agreeing to pay Minnesota $60.5 million for youth vaping prevention programs.

2023: Prescription Drug Affordability Board Established

In 2023, the Minnesota Legislature signed into law a bill creating the Prescription Drug Affordability Board, a key recommendation of Keith Ellison's task force focused on lowering prescription drug prices. The board has the power to review and cap drug prices.

March 2024: Settlement Reached with Havenbrook Homes

In March 2024, Keith Ellison announced a settlement with Havenbrook Homes, requiring them to forgive $2 million in rent and pay $2.2 million to affected tenants. Havenbrook also planned to transfer its properties to affordable housing organizations.

2024: Deals Reached to Cut Insulin Costs

In 2024, Keith Ellison announced deals with the big three insulin manufacturers to cap the cost of a month's supply of insulin at $35 for the next five years, resolving lawsuits over deceptive pricing.

2024: Minnesota Debt Fairness Act Passed

In 2024, Keith Ellison led the passage of the Minnesota Debt Fairness Act, which bans medical providers from denying care for outstanding medical debt, ends the transfer of deceased patients' debt to their spouse, and prohibits reporting medical debt to credit agencies. He hosted a legal clinic to inform Minnesotans of their new rights.

2025: Insulin Cost Cap Announced for Five Years

In 2025, building upon agreements reached in 2024, Keith Ellison confirmed the $35 insulin cost cap deal with major manufacturers for the next five years, as part of settlements resolving deceptive pricing lawsuits.