About Keith
Congressman Keith Ellison has represented Minnesota's Fifth Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives since taking office on January 4, 2007.
The Fifth Congressional District is the most vibrant and ethnically diverse Congressional district in Minnesota with over eighty languages spoken throughout the district that includes the City of Minneapolis and several surrounding suburbs.
There could be no better fit for such a diverse district than Keith Ellison who has committed his public life to community organization and advocacy. Keith’s adult life has been spent bringing communities together – whether it is advocating for a better business climate or giving a voice to those who deserve to be heard. His philosophy is one of generosity and inclusiveness – because there are enough resources in our communities for everyone to prosper.
Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Congressman Ellison graduated from Wayne State University in 1986 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. He moved to Minnesota in 1987 to attend the University of Minnesota Law School where he earned his law degree in 1990. He and his wife, Kim a high school math teacher, have since made Minnesota their home where they are raising their four children.
Upon completion of his Juris Doctor, Congressman Ellison practiced law from 1990 to 2006 in both the private sector and as executive director of the Legal Rights Center. In 2004 he ran for the State Legislature from Legislative District 58B in North Minneapolis. He became a strong advocate to protect Minnesota children from dangerous pesticides and chemicals; promoted legislation to restore the voting rights of ex-offenders; and successfully advocated for an increase to the state’s minimum wage.
When long-serving 5th District Congressman Martin Sabo announced his retirement after 28 years in Congress, Ellison jumped into the race. He quickly established himself as a formidable candidate by winning a 1st ballot DFL party endorsement in a multi-candidate field of former and current office holders.
He was challenged in the DFL primary by six candidates, and won by ten percentage points. Congressman Ellison won the general election with 56% of the vote in a four-way race.
In 2008, Congressman Ellison dedicated his campaign to helping more people in the Fifth District find their political voices, particularly in under-represented communities. That campaign resulted in the Congressman's re-election with 71% of the vote, thousands of new voters coming to the polls, and a significant contribution to Senator Al Franken's victory.
After winning re-election to a second term, Congressman Ellison has worked tirelessly to build on the electoral gains of 2008 and instill a progressive agenda that will strengthen America at home and abroad.
Keith has been a leading voice in the effort to reform our nation’s broken health care system. He’s called for an end to abusive practices that cap treatment and deny care due to pre-existing conditions. He’s called for the creation of a public option to increase competition and offer Americans greater choice. For reasons both economic and moral, Keith is dedicated to extending affordable, secure health care to all Americans.
As a member of the House Financial Services Committee, Keith is working to implement reforms that will strengthen our economy and bring relief to Main Street. From the creation of a credit card holders’ bill of rights to ending predatory lending, Keith is pushing financial services oversight reform to build an economy that will work for America’s middle class.
As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Keith works to support the development of emerging democracies around the world. By strengthening democratic institutions in developing nations such as Afghanistan, Keith aims to achieve a more peaceful world for all nations.
Congressman Ellison’s positions on the House Financial Services Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee serve his legislative priorities well. His legislative priorities include promoting peace, prosperity for working families, environmental sustainability, and promoting civil and human rights.