Keith Maurice Ellison is an American Democrat politician, who represented the Minnesota's 5th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives, becoming the first Muslim elected to the U.S. Congress and the highest Muslim elected official in the United States at the time of his election.
Born August 4th, 1963 in Detroit, Michigan, Ellison moved to Minneapolis in 1987, becoming a lawyer and community activist. He was elected as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives, serving House District 58B from 2003-2007. After his terms as a U.S. Congressman from 2007 to 2019, Ellison was chosen by Minnesota Governor Walz to become the state’s Attorney General.
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November 6, 2006 - In the last day of campaigning, all three candidates from Minnesota's 5th district were out in full force. Democrat Keith Ellison, Republic Alan Fine, and Independant Tammy Lee were all campaigning, hoping for a victory.
November 7, 2006 - Election 2006: Keith Ellison's speech after victory over Alan Fine, Tammy Lee for the 5th Congressional District seat.
January 4, 2007 - As three new members of the House from Minnesotan are to be sworn into office, MPR’s Mark Zdechlik presents this profile on them. The three will bring diverse backgrounds and political ideologies to Congress…but Keith Ellison, Tim Walz, and Michelle Bachman all say they'll keep the interests of Minnesotans in the forefront as they begin their careers in Congress.
February 15, 2007 - Fifth District Democrat Keith Ellison, speaking on the floor of the House this week opposing the President's decision to increase US troop strength in Iraq. The fifth district includes the city of Minneapolis and some surrounding suburbs.
May 24, 2007 - Former justice department official Monica Goodling testified before the House Judiciary Committee on Thursday, May 24, 2007. During questioning by Minnesota fifth district congressman Keith Ellison, Goodling said Justice officials worried former U.S. Attorney Tom Heffelfinger spent too much time on a panel dedicated to Native American affairs. Goodling's testimony was the first indication of why Heffelfinger appeared on a list of prosecutors Justice officials considered removing. Heffelfinger told the Associated Press Goodling's comments are the first indication he's received that the Justice Department had any dissatisfaction with his performance. He says his time devoted to Indian issues was warranted.
August 2, 2007 - MPR Special Coverage of government and city officials giving morning news conference on day after I-35W bridge collapse. Speakers include R.T. Rybak, mayor of Minneapolis; Tim Pawlenty, governor of Minnesota; Amy Peters, U.S. secretary of transportation; Norm Coleman, U.S. senator; Amy Klobuchar, U.S. senator; Keith Ellison, U.S. representative, Tim Dolan, Minneapolis police chief; Jim Clack, Minneapolis fire chief; and Mark Rosenker, chairman of National Transportation Safety Board. Topics include the recovery efforts, first responders, government relief, initial local reaction, and investigations going forward. Speakers also answer reporter questions.
August 10, 2007 - U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters press conference announcing fed money for bridge repair and reconstruction. She was joined by Gov. Tim Pawlenty, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, and members of the Minnesota congressional delegation, including Sen. Norm Coleman, Reps. John Kline, Betty McCollum and Keith Ellison, and National Transportation Safety Board chairman Mark Rosenker.
December 20, 2007 - Two of Minnesota's freshman congressmen, Tim Walz and Keith Ellison, discuss what surprised them, what made them proud, and what they found disappointing about their first year in Washington D.C.
June 7, 2008 - U.S. Representative Keith Ellison speaking at DFL State Convention.
November 4, 2008 - Election night raw audio of Keith Ellison speaking about Obama's presidential victory.