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Keith Ellison
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.
Ellison serves on the House Financial
Services Committee, and the House Foreign Affairs 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.
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