Rep. Keith Ellison (D., Minn.), the Democratic National Committee deputy chairman, filed paperwork on Tuesday to run for attorney general in Minnesota, withdrawing his candidacy for Congress.
Ellison released a statement on Twitter about his agenda for the people of Minnesota if he wins the race.
"Our pledge of allegiance promises an America with liberty and justice for all -- no exceptions. But too often, Minnesota's working families and the most vulnerable among us are taken advantage of or are targets of discrimination. I am running to be the People's Lawyer to hold those in power accountable and to protect and defend all Minnesotans," Ellison said.
You deserve an Attorney General who will never stop fighting for you and your family. That is what I plan to do. My full statement: pic.twitter.com/2uPsH3aAlQ
— Rep. Keith Ellison (@keithellison) June 5, 2018
He went on to talk about labor and workers' rights, saying he will protect workers by making sure that they are able to work in a safe environment.
"Workers deserve a voice on the job, a fair day's wage, and a safe workplace. I am a champion for labor and workers' rights, carrying the bill for a $15 minimum wage and leading the charge against wage theft at the federal level," Ellison said. "As Attorney General, I will ensure that workers receive their full wages and stand up for the right to collect bargain."
After losing to Tom Perez for the DNC chair role, Ellison has been consumed with making sure that progressive-leaning Democrats have a voice in the party. He has been in Congress since 2007 and has served as the DNC deputy chair since last year.
It was reported Ellison had initially mulled a bid in the attorney general race earlier this year, but he decided not to run after the incumbent Lori Swanson skipped her own expected run for governor and appeared prepared to run for reelection. However, plans changed this week after Swanson didn’t get a majority of support for reelection and decided to jump into the governor’s race on Monday, leading to an opening for Ellison.
The Democratic primary for the attorney general race is August 14.