Who Is Keith Ellison? Age, Biography and Wiki
Keith Ellison, born on August 4, 1963, is a prominent American politician known for his progressive policies and advocacy for civil rights. As of 2025, he is 61 years old. Ellison serves as the Attorney General of Minnesota, a position he has held since January 2019. Throughout his career, he has been a member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL) and was the first Muslim elected to the U.S. Congress when he took office in 2007.
Ellison has been a staunch advocate for social justice, healthcare reform, and labor rights, and he continues to influence political discourse both in Minnesota and nationally.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 4, 1963 |
| Age | 61 Years |
| Birth Place | Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Keith Ellison's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
As a public figure, Keith Ellison maintains a professional appearance. While specific measurements are not publicly documented, he is often seen embodying a confident demeanor. He stands approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall and has a weight that is commensurate with his build, suggesting he maintains a healthy lifestyle.
On May 31, 2020, Ellison accepted Minnesota governor Tim Walz's request that he take over as special prosecutor in the Derek Chauvin case.
Three days later, Ellison's office charged Derek Chauvin, the officer who knelt on Floyd's neck, with second-degree murder, a more serious charge than Hennepin County attorney Mike Freeman's original charges of third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.
Ellison also charged the other three officers at the scene, whom Freeman's office had not originally charged, with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and manslaughter. Freeman and trial lawyers Steve Schleicher, Jerry Blackwell and Matthew Frank were among those who served on Ellison's prosecution team.
Chauvin was convicted on all three counts on April 20, 2021. Ellison's management of the prosecution won him praise from progressives, and led to speculation that he would seek a higher office.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Keith Ellison is known for being private about his personal life. He was previously married to Kim Ellison, with whom he has three children. While there have been speculations regarding his dating life, as of 2025, there is no publicly confirmed information about a new girlfriend or relationship. Ellison’s focus remains heavily on his political career and advocacy work.
Keith Ellison, the third of five sons, was raised Catholic in Detroit, Michigan, by his parents, Leonard Ellison, a psychiatrist and Clida (Martinez) Ellison, a social worker. Ellison and three of his brothers became lawyers; his other brother became a doctor.
One of Ellison's brothers is also the pastor of "Church of the New Covenant Baptist" in Detroit. Ellison's youth was influenced by the involvement of his family in the civil rights movement, including his grandfather's work as a member of the NAACP in Louisiana.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Keith Ellison's estimated net worth is around $2 million. His income primarily comes from his position as Attorney General, where his annual salary is estimated to be over $100,000. Additionally, his previous earnings as a U.S. Congressman and various investments contribute to his overall financial portfolio.
Ellison's House seat was previously held by Martin Olav Sabo, whose announcement of his intention to retire precipitated Ellison's candidacy. At the DFL Convention on May 6, 2006, Ellison won the party endorsement over nine other candidates, leading 2-to-1 on the first ballot, and winning endorsement on the fourth ballot.
In the primary, Ellison faced former state senator Ember Reichgott Junge, Minneapolis city council member Paul Ostrow, and Sabo's chief of staff Mike Erlandson, whom Sabo had endorsed. Ellison won the primary on September 12, 2006, with 41% of the vote.
One issue Ellison's campaign opponents raised was the repeated suspension of his driver's license for failure to pay tickets and fines. Ellison had also failed to pay all or part of his income taxes in five separate years between 1992 and 2000, forcing the state and Internal Revenue Service to put liens on his home.
He later paid in excess of $18,000. In the November 2006 election, Ellison faced Republican Alan Fine, the Green Party's Jay Pond, and Tammy Lee of the Independence Party. Ellison won the seat with 56% of the vote.
Career, Business and Investments
Ellison’s career spans over two decades, beginning with his service in the Minnesota House of Representatives and later in the U.S. Congress. His time in Congress was marked by his efforts in championing health care reforms and combating economic inequality. Since becoming Attorney General, he has focused on enforcing consumer protection laws, advocating for civil rights, and addressing public safety issues.
Aside from his political endeavors, Ellison engages in various investments that align with his values, often focusing on community-driven projects and sustainable business practices.
After graduating from law school, Ellison worked for three years at the firm of Lindquist & Vennum, where he was a litigator specializing in civil rights, employment, and criminal defense law. He then became executive director of Minneapolis's nonprofit Legal Rights Center, which specializes in defending indigent clients.
Upon leaving the Legal Rights Center, Ellison entered private practice with the law firm Hassan & Reed Ltd, specializing in trial practice. He was also regularly involved in community service.
He served as the unpaid host of a public affairs talk program at KMOJ radio, and also often volunteered as a track coach for several organizations, working with youth between the ages of five and 18. He said, "It's a great community-building device because it's for all ages and all genders. Everyone can find a way to fit in."
Social Network
Keith Ellison is active on social media platforms, using his presence to communicate with constituents and share his insights on important issues. He maintains accounts on platforms like Twitter and Facebook, where he engages with followers, promotes events, and discusses policies and initiatives relevant to his role as Attorney General.
Ellison's profile was raised when he ran for chair of the Democratic National Committee in November 2016, gaining support from progressive groups and U.S. senators Bernie Sanders and Chuck Schumer.
His candidacy prompted renewed scrutiny of his past statements and affiliation with the Nation of Islam, which drew criticism from some moderate Democrats. Ellison lost to former Secretary of Labor Tom Perez, who subsequently appointed Ellison deputy chair, a decision approved by unanimous voice vote of DNC members.
Education
Keith Ellison's educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University, followed by a Juris Doctor from the University of Minnesota Law School. His education has equipped him with a robust understanding of law and public policy, which he applies in his role in public service.
Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Ellison moved to Minnesota for law school. In 2002, he was elected to the Minnesota House and served two terms. After longtime U.S. Representative Martin Olav Sabo announced his retirement, Ellison announced his candidacy for Congress in the 2006 election. He won the race and was reelected five times.
His district included Minneapolis, the state's largest city, and its inner-ring suburbs. In Congress, Ellison was a vice-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and a chief deputy whip. He also sat on the House Committee on Financial Services.
Ellison was the first Muslim elected to Congress, and also the first African American representative from Minnesota.
