About Keith
Congressman Keith Ellison represents the Fifth Congressional District of Minnesota 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.
Ellison serves on the House Financial Services Committee, and the House Judiciary Committee. Both committees serve his legislative priorities well. Mr. Ellison’s legislative include promoting peace, prosperity for working families, environmental sustainability, and promoting civil and human rights.
Ellison’s election to the Congress made both Minnesota and U.S. history by becoming the first African American elected to the Congress from Minnesota, as well as the first Muslim American to be elected to the U.S. Congress.