Keith Ellison wins DFL primary for Minnesota attorney general

(KMSP) - Congressman Keith Ellison is the projected winner for the Democratic primary for attorney general.

Ellison who has served in the Fifth Congressional District since 2006 announced he would run for attorney general after current Attorney General Lori Swanson decided to run for governor.

Just days before the primary, Ellison faced allegations of domestic abuse from a former girlfriend, which Ellison has denied. 

To win the DFL nomination, Ellison beat out DFL-endorsed Minneapolis attorney Matt Pelikan, former Minnesota Commissioner of Commerce Mike Rothman, Representative Debra Hilstrom, and Ramsey County attorney Tom Foley.

In the GOP race, Doug Wardlow won. He was the party's endorsed candidate.

Ellison released the following statement:

“I am honored to have earned the overwhelming support of DFLers to be Minnesota’s next Attorney General. There is so much at stake in this election. Tonight, Republicans nominated someone who wants to repeal the Affordable Care Act and revoke a woman’s right to choose; supports so-called right to work laws; and has proudly worked for an anti-LGBTQ hate group.

“As the People’s Lawyer, I will be on the front lines to defend the rights and freedoms of all Minnesotans. As your Attorney General, I will fight every day to put Minnesota families ahead of powerful special interests, to increase access to affordable health care, make our economy more fair, and expand opportunity for all.”