Attorney General of Minnesota · November 3, 2026
Who should I vote for in the Minnesota attorney general race?
Keith Ellison has the strongest record in the Minnesota attorney general race. Keith Ellison scores 62 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, ahead of Ron Schutz at 57, as of October 5, 2026. Keith Ellison's highest marks are relevant experience and command of the job. Ron Schutz's highest marks are communication and roots in the constituency. Every score comes from public records on character, qualifications and performance, the same way for every party.
DFL · incumbent
Strongest record
Keith Ellison
62 / 100
Public evidence on 13 of 15 criteria
- Character
- 50
- Qualifications
- 80
- Performance
- 50
Republican
Ron Schutz
On the ballot as Ronald J. Schutz
57 / 100
Public evidence on 10 of 15 criteria
- Character
- 50
- Qualifications
- 65
- Performance
- 50
The good, the bad and the unresolved
The record
The notable facts of each candidate's public life, each tied to a source and confirmed to be this person. Unresolved matters are labeled with where they stand and do not move a score.
Keith Ellison
- Mark against2007 to 2018
Missed 661 of 8,876 House roll call votes, 7.4 percent, over his twelve years in Congress, against a 2.5 percent median for members serving in December 2018.
- Mark against2006
Signed a Campaign Finance Board conciliation agreement: his state House committee accepted $150 over the 2004 special-source contribution limit, the second such year, and paid a $300 civil penalty.
Source: Minnesota Campaign Finance Board, Conciliation Agreement, Committee to Elect Keith Ellison (2006)
- Mark against2005-11 to 2006-01
The Campaign Finance Board found discrepancies in his state House committee's 2002 to 2004 reports; a $100 late fee and $1,000 civil penalty accrued after unanswered inquiries; the treasurer filed amendments.
Source: Minnesota Campaign Finance Board, Findings and Order, Committee to Elect Keith Ellison (2006)
- On the record2026-06-10
As one of three Minnesota Board of Pardons members, joined a unanimous vote to pardon Tou Lue Vang's 2006 criminal sexual conduct convictions; Vang, who faced deportation, was later removed.
Sources: Newsweek, July 2, 2026, FOX 9 via AOL, July 3, 2026
- On the record2018-08 to 2018-10
In August 2018 a former partner alleged he physically abused her in 2016; he denied it. A DFL-retained attorney found it unsubstantiated and Minneapolis police declined to investigate, citing a conflict of interest.
Sources: Associated Press via Yahoo News, Oct. 1, 2018, Associated Press via KSL, Oct. 3, 2018, Newsweek, Oct. 4, 2018, Duluth News Tribune (Star Tribune report), Oct. 2, 2018
- On the record2017-01-12
PolitiFact rated False his Jan. 5, 2017 tweet that the House GOP rules package barred the CBO from counting deficit spending spurred by an ACA repeal.
Source: PolitiFact, Jan. 12, 2017
- On the record2013-10-08
Was one of eight Democratic House members arrested at a U.S. Capitol sit-in for comprehensive immigration reform; police arrested nearly 200 people for crowding and disrupting the streets.
- Credit2026-08-26
Minnesota is set to receive at least $214 million from Meta's settlement of a 2023 lawsuit brought by a bipartisan group of attorneys general over social media design and youth.
Source: WDIO, Aug. 26, 2026
- Credit2026-09-24
His office reached an $18.5 million settlement with the nonprofit Partners in Nutrition over false claims to a federal child nutrition program; the nonprofit agreed to dissolve.
Sources: Sahan Journal, Sept. 24, 2026, KSTP, Sept. 24, 2026
- Credit2023-05-17
Settled Minnesota's lawsuit against Juul Labs and Altria for $60.5 million; the case was the first of thousands against Juul nationwide to reach trial.
- Credit2021-04
As attorney general, led the state prosecution of former Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin, who was convicted of second-degree murder in George Floyd's death and received a 22 1/2-year state sentence.
Sources: Ballotpedia, Keith Ellison (Minnesota), CBS Minnesota, Aug. 18, 2026
- Credit2019 to 2026
His office's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit has convicted more than 350 people of Medicaid fraud since 2019, per MPR News.
Source: MPR News, Oct. 2, 2026
Ron Schutz
- On the record2026-09-29 to 2026-10-02
His economic interest statement shows stock above $10,000 in each of 174 companies, at least six being sued by Minnesota; at the Oct. 2 debate he committed to divest those and blind-trust the rest.
Sources: Minnesota Reformer via KAXE, Sept. 30, 2026, Minnesota Reformer via News From The States, Oct. 2, 2026, InForum (Forum News Service), Oct. 2, 2026
- On the record2026-01
After immigration agents fatally shot Alex Pretti, issued a news release calling for a joint state and federal investigation of that shooting and Renee Good's, as recounted at the Oct. 2, 2026 debate.
Sources: MPR News, Oct. 2, 2026, InForum (Forum News Service), Oct. 2, 2026
- Credit2022-07
Named a Lawdragon Legend and is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers; served as chair of Robins Kaplan's executive board, where he had practiced more than 35 years.
Sources: Lawdragon, Legends Limelight, July 14, 2022, Hoodline Minneapolis, March 3, 2026 (citing Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal)
- Credit1990s
Was trial counsel for Fonar Corp. and founder Raymond Damadian in their MRI patent infringement case against General Electric in the Eastern District of New York, which Fonar won at trial.
- Credit1980s
Served four years in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's Corps as defense counsel and then prosecutor, trying 20 felony-level courts-martial, before joining Robins Kaplan.
Sources: Lawdragon, Legends Limelight, July 14, 2022, MPR News, Oct. 2, 2026
Who they are
Character
Integrity
Tells the truth, keeps their word, and takes no private gain from public office.
Keith Ellison. Campaign committee is registered with the Campaign Finance Board. A 2018 Board complaint against the committee was dismissed as outside the Board's authority. PolitiFact rated one 2017 statement False. No current official finding.
Sources: Minnesota Campaign Finance Board, candidate 18336, Minnesota Campaign Finance Board, enforcement actions by date, PolitiFact, Keith Ellison
Ron Schutz. Campaign committee is registered with the Campaign Finance Board and an economic interest statement is on file. At the Oct. 2, 2026 debate he committed to divest stocks in companies suing or sued by the state. No official finding found.
Sources: Minnesota Campaign Finance Board, candidate 19261, Minnesota Reformer via KAXE, Sept. 30, 2026, Minnesota Reformer via News From The States, Oct. 2, 2026
Courage
Takes a stand that costs them something, including telling their own side no.
Keith Ellison. No public record found.
Ron Schutz. No public record found.
Accountability
Owns mistakes, answers hard questions, and works in the open.
Keith Ellison. Took part in the Oct. 2, 2026 MPR News debate with his opponent. Holds press conferences on office actions, including a March 24, 2026 press conference reported by Sahan Journal.
Sources: MPR News, Oct. 2, 2026, Sahan Journal, Sept. 24, 2026
Ron Schutz. Took part in the Oct. 2, 2026 MPR News debate with the incumbent, the first debate of the general election.
Sources: MPR News, Oct. 2, 2026, InForum (Forum News Service), Oct. 2, 2026
Temperament and judgment
Steady under pressure, decides on evidence, and treats opponents and staff with respect.
Keith Ellison. Has held elected office since 2003, including four years in the Minnesota House, twelve in the U.S. House and two terms as attorney general. No formal censure, reprimand or conduct finding found.
Ron Schutz. About 38 years at Robins Kaplan, including chair of the firm's executive board, and four years as an Army JAG officer. No censure, reprimand or conduct finding found; the Minnesota lawyer discipline search could not be run.
Sources: Lawdragon, Legends Limelight, July 14, 2022, Hoodline Minneapolis, March 3, 2026 (citing Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal)
Fidelity to the oath
Uses power inside its limits: accepts certified results, obeys court rulings, follows the rules of the office.
Keith Ellison. Sworn into the Minnesota House, the U.S. House and the attorney general's office, most recently Jan. 7, 2019. No official finding of misuse of office and no recorded action to reject certified results found.
Sources: PolitiFact, Keith Ellison, Ballotpedia, Keith Ellison (Minnesota)
Ron Schutz. Served four years as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's Corps as defense counsel and prosecutor. No official finding of misuse of office found. Has not held elected office.
Sources: Lawdragon, Legends Limelight, July 14, 2022, MPR News, Oct. 2, 2026
What they bring
Qualifications
Relevant experience
Has done work that prepares them for this specific office.
Keith Ellison. Incumbent attorney general since 2019, seeking a third term. Previously served twelve years in the U.S. House and four in the Minnesota House, and practiced law for 16 years before that.
Sources: Ballotpedia, Keith Ellison (Minnesota), MPR News, Oct. 2, 2026
Ron Schutz. Trial lawyer for about 38 years at Robins Kaplan, chair of the firm's executive board, Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, former Army JAG officer. No prior elected or senior government office.
Sources: Hoodline Minneapolis, March 3, 2026 (citing Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal), Lawdragon, Legends Limelight, July 14, 2022, KSTP, Oct. 24, 2025
Command of the job
Knows the issues and knows what the office can and cannot do.
Keith Ellison. Has run the office for two terms, including its 50-person Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Published priorities in the Ballotpedia survey and KAXE guide are stated as continuations of current office work.
Sources: MPR News, Oct. 2, 2026, KAXE 2026 Election Guide, Attorney General, Sept. 28, 2026, Ballotpedia, Keith Ellison (Minnesota)
Ron Schutz. Published positions in general terms on fraud, crime, consumer protection and law enforcement on his campaign site and in the Ballotpedia survey, which also describes the office's functions.
Sources: Ron Schutz campaign site, Priorities, Ballotpedia, Ron Schutz
Communication
Explains plainly, persuades, and listens.
Keith Ellison. Completed the 2026 Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey and the KAXE election guide questionnaire, took part in the Oct. 2, 2026 debate, and publishes issue pages on his campaign site. Four channels.
Sources: Ballotpedia, Keith Ellison (Minnesota), KAXE 2026 Election Guide, Attorney General, Sept. 28, 2026, MPR News, Oct. 2, 2026, Keith Ellison campaign site, About
Ron Schutz. Completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey in 2025 and the KAXE election guide questionnaire, took part in the Oct. 2, 2026 debate, and publishes issue pages on his campaign site. Four channels.
Sources: Ballotpedia, Ron Schutz, KAXE 2026 Election Guide, Attorney General, Sept. 28, 2026, InForum (Forum News Service), Oct. 2, 2026, Ron Schutz campaign site, Priorities
Roots in the constituency
Lives there, knows the people, and is funded by them.
Keith Ellison. Born in Detroit. Earned his law degree at the University of Minnesota in 1990 and has lived in Minnesota since, serving in the Legislature from 2003. Lists North Minneapolis as his community.
Sources: Ballotpedia, Keith Ellison (Minnesota), KAXE 2026 Election Guide, Attorney General, Sept. 28, 2026
Ron Schutz. Born in Adrian, Minnesota, graduated from Adrian Public High School and the University of Minnesota Law School, and lists Medina as his community. Described as a lifelong Minnesotan. In-state donor share not available.
Sources: Ballotpedia, Ron Schutz, KAXE 2026 Election Guide, Attorney General, Sept. 28, 2026, WDIO, May 29, 2026
Management
Can build and run an organization.
Keith Ellison. Heads the Office of the Attorney General, which includes a 50-person Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. The Legislative Auditor's 2023 audit found the office generally complied with finance-related requirements and had adequate internal controls.
Sources: Office of the Legislative Auditor, Office of the Attorney General, Performance Audit, September 2023, MPR News, Oct. 2, 2026
Ron Schutz. Chaired the executive board of Robins Kaplan, a national litigation firm he describes as 200 lawyers, from 2019 to 2024, per Lawdragon in 2022 and the Business Journal as cited by Hoodline.
Sources: Lawdragon, Legends Limelight, July 14, 2022, Hoodline Minneapolis, March 3, 2026 (citing Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal), Ballotpedia, Ron Schutz
What they deliver
Performance
Results
Turns ideas into outcomes.
Keith Ellison. Office outcomes: Derek Chauvin convicted of second-degree murder (2021); Juul and Altria settlement of $60.5 million (2023); Meta settlement of at least $214 million (2026); Partners in Nutrition $18.5 million (2026); more than 350 Medicaid fraud convictions since 2019.
Sources: CBS Minnesota, Aug. 18, 2026, Associated Press via Yahoo News, May 17, 2023, WDIO, Aug. 26, 2026, Sahan Journal, Sept. 24, 2026, MPR News, Oct. 2, 2026
Ron Schutz. Represented Fonar Corp. and its founder in a 1990s MRI patent trial against General Electric that Fonar won, and tried 20 felony-level courts-martial as an Army JAG lawyer, per Lawdragon. Dollar figures rest on his own statements.
Showing up
Does the basic work of the job.
Keith Ellison. No published attendance record exists for the attorney general's office. GovTrack lifetime House record, Jan. 2007 to Dec. 2018: missed 661 of 8,876 roll call votes, 7.4 percent, against a median of 2.5 percent.
Ron Schutz. No public record found.
Constituent service
Solves problems for the people they represent.
Keith Ellison. No public record found.
Ron Schutz. No public record found.
Coalition building
Wins support beyond their own faction.
Keith Ellison. The 2026 Meta settlement resolved a 2023 lawsuit by a bipartisan group of attorneys general. For reference, his 115th Congress Lugar Bipartisan Index score was -1.28047, ranked 418 of 435 House members.
Sources: WDIO, Aug. 26, 2026, Lugar Center Bipartisan Index, House Scores, 115th Congress
Ron Schutz. No public record found.
Stewardship of public money
Treats tax dollars as someone else's money.
Keith Ellison. The Legislative Auditor's September 2023 performance audit of the office he heads found it generally complied with finance-related legal requirements and had adequate internal controls, with one finding on documenting overtime preapprovals.
Source: Office of the Legislative Auditor, Office of the Attorney General, Performance Audit, September 2023
Ron Schutz. No public record found.
How to read this
Each criterion is scored 0 to 4 against the written rubric in the Ballot Standard. NR means no record: there is no reliable public evidence either way, so the criterion is left out and never counts against the candidate. A total is published when at least 8 of 15 criteria have evidence.
A sitting officeholder has a longer public record than a first-time candidate, so the two totals rest on different amounts of evidence. Read the count of criteria beside each score. Low marks require an official finding or a primary record. Allegations and opinion are not used.
No policy position is scored. Evidence checked October 5, 2026. Campaigns and readers can send a correction with a public source to tpg@thepoliticalgroup.com.
Questions
Who should I vote for in the Minnesota attorney general race?
Keith Ellison has the strongest record in the Minnesota attorney general race. Keith Ellison scores 62 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, ahead of Ron Schutz at 57, as of October 5, 2026. Keith Ellison's highest marks are relevant experience and command of the job. Ron Schutz's highest marks are communication and roots in the constituency. Every score comes from public records on character, qualifications and performance, the same way for every party.
Who is running in the Minnesota attorney general race in 2026?
Keith Ellison (DFL, incumbent), Ronald J. Schutz (Republican). The general election is November 3, 2026.
Is Keith Ellison a good candidate for Attorney General?
Keith Ellison scores 62 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, with public evidence on 13 of 15 criteria: character 50 of 100, qualifications 80 of 100, performance 50 of 100. The standard measures character, qualifications and performance, not policy positions.
Is Ron Schutz a good candidate for Attorney General?
Ron Schutz scores 57 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, with public evidence on 10 of 15 criteria: character 50 of 100, qualifications 65 of 100, performance 50 of 100. The standard measures character, qualifications and performance, not policy positions.
How is the strongest record decided?
The candidate with the highest Ballot Standard score has the strongest record. Each of 15 criteria on character, qualifications and performance is scored 0 to 4 from public records and established reporting, the same way for every party. No policy position is scored, and unresolved accusations never move a score.
More on this race: every Minnesota race scored, and the Minnesota 2026 election guide. Independent scorecard by The Political Group, not affiliated with any candidate or party.