2018 Minnesota Attorney General election
The 2018 Minnesota Attorney General election was held on November 6, 2018, to elect the attorney general of the U.S. state of Minnesota. A primary election was held on August 14, 2018, in which Doug Wardlow was nominated as the Republican candidate and Keith Ellison was nominated as the Democratic–Farmer–Labor (DFL) candidate. Ellison won the election.
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Ellison: 40–50% 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% 80–90% >90% Wardlow: 40–50% 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% 80–90% >90% Tie: No vote: | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| Elections in Minnesota |
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Background
DFL incumbent Lori Swanson was first elected attorney general in 2006. Swanson succeeded two-term DFL incumbent Mike Hatch, who opted to run for governor in 2006. Swanson was re-elected in 2010 and 2014. On January 28, 2018, Swanson announced that she would seek re-election. The announcement came after months of speculation that she would run for governor in 2018.[1] On June 4, 2018, after failing to receive her own party's endorsement for attorney general, Swanson ended her campaign for attorney general and opted to run for governor instead.[2]
Democratic–Farmer–Labor primary
Candidates
- Keith Ellison, Deputy Chair of the Democratic National Committee since 2017; U.S. Representative for Minnesota's 5th congressional district since 2007[3][4]
- Tom Foley, former Ramsey County attorney[5][6]
- Debra Hilstrom, member of the Minnesota House of Representatives since 2001; former Anoka County assistant attorney[7][8]
- Initially withdrew in January 2018 following Swanson's announcement that she would seek re-election.[9] Re-entered the race following Swanson's withdrawal.
- Matt Pelikan, attorney; activist; former clerk for Minnesota Supreme Court Justices Paul Anderson and David Lillehaug[10][11][12]
- Mike Rothman, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Commerce from 2011 to 2017[13][14]
- Initially withdrew on February 16, 2018, following Swanson's announcement that she would seek re-election.[13] Re-entered the race following Swanson's withdrawal.
It was reported in late January 2018 that Ellison was exploring the possibility of seeking election to be attorney general. According to several people he had spoken with recently, Ellison was not likely to run but found it enticing.[15] Following Swanson's withdrawal from the election on June 4, 2018, it was reported that Ellison was likely to enter the race, which he did the next day.[16]
On June 2, 2018, the DFL endorsed Pelikan at their state convention. Swanson received 52 percent over Pelikan after the first round of balloting, but not the required 60 percent. Swanson then withdrew her nomination for the party's endorsement, but did not indicate if she would run in the primary election.[17]
On June 4, 2018, Swanson announced she would no longer seek re-election and would instead run for Governor.[2] The day after her announcement, Ellison, Foley, Hatch, Hilstrom, and Rothman entered the race.[3] Hatch said he did not think Pelikan had sufficient courtroom experience and would withdraw if someone he thought was qualified entered the race, which he did the next day.[18]
Withdrawn
- Sam Clark, former Saint Paul city attorney; former state director and counsel for U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar[19]
- Withdrew on January 31, 2018, following Swanson's announcement that she would seek re-election.[20]
- Mike Hatch, attorney general from 1999 to 2007[3]
- Withdrew on June 6, 2018.[18]
- John Lesch, member of the Minnesota House of Representatives since 2003; Saint Paul assistant city attorney[21]
- Withdrew on September 15, 2017, saying he wanted to spend more time with his infant daughter, to help the DFL win control of the Minnesota of House of Representatives, and cited the uncertainty of whether DFL incumbent Lori Swanson would seek re-election.[22]
- Lori Swanson, incumbent since 2007[1]
- Ryan Winkler, general counsel for Biothera; member of the Minnesota House of Representatives from 2007 to 2015[23]
- Withdrew in January 2018 following Swanson's announcement that she would seek re-election.[9]
Results
Results by county:
Map legend
- Ellison—60–70%
- Ellison—50–60%
- Ellison—40–50%
- Ellison—30–40%
- Ellison—<30%
- Hilstrom—30–40%
Results by congressional district:
Map legend
- Ellison—60–70%
- Ellison—50–60%
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic (DFL) | Keith Ellison | 281,142 | 49.8 | |
| Democratic (DFL) | Debra Hilstrom | 108,048 | 19.2 | |
| Democratic (DFL) | Tom Foley | 70,786 | 12.5 | |
| Democratic (DFL) | Matt Pelikan | 59,876 | 10.6 | |
| Democratic (DFL) | Mike Rothman | 44,522 | 7.9 | |
| Total votes | 564,374 | 100.0 | ||
Republican primary
Candidates
- Sharon Anderson, perennial candidate[25]
- Bob Lessard, DFL member of the Minnesota Senate from 1977 to 2003[26][27][28]
- Doug Wardlow, attorney for the Alliance Defending Freedom; member of the Minnesota House of Representatives from 2011 to 2013[28][29][30]
Wardlow was endorsed by the Republicans on June 2, 2018, at their state convention.[17]
Withdrawn
Results
Results by county:
Map legend
- Wardlow—50–60%
- Wardlow—40–50%
- Wardlow—30–40%
- Anderson—30–40%
- Anderson—40–50%
- Lessard—30–40%
- Lessard—40–50%
Results by congressional district:
Map legend
- Wardlow—50–60%
- Wardlow—40–50%
- Wardlow—30–40%
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Doug Wardlow | 135,971 | 46.3 | |
| Republican | Sharon Anderson | 94,245 | 32.0 | |
| Republican | Bob Lessard | 63,722 | 21.7 | |
| Total votes | 293,398 | 100.0 | ||
Minor parties and independents
Candidates
- Noah Johnson (Grassroots—Legalize Cannabis Party), attorney[33][34]
On October 15, 2018, Grassroots—Legalize Cannabis Party candidate Noah Johnson announced his endorsement of DFL nominee Keith Ellison. In explaining his endorsement, Johnson cited Ellison's recent statement of support for marijuana legalization. Johnson also stated that he wished to avoid drawing votes away from Ellison and thereby increasing Republican nominee Doug Wardlow's chances of victory. Johnson's name remained on the ballot.[35]
General election
On October 27, 2018, Politico reported that the State of Minnesota had not elected a Republican attorney general in more than 40 years, but added that Ellison was "putting that streak to the test." According to Politico, Ellison had been "rocked by accusations of domestic abuse" and had fallen behind Wardlow in a recent poll; Politico added that the race "revolves around Ellison and what voters make of the misconduct allegations he's facing."[36]
Endorsements
Keith Ellison (DFL)[37]
Organizations
- CWA Minnesota State Council
- LIUNA Minnesota & North Dakota
- West Area Labor Council / BTCGM
- Our Revolution MN
- UFCW Local 1189
- Teamsters Local 120
- NARAL Pro-Choice Minnesota
- TakeAction Minnesota
- Democracy for America
- MoveOn
National Figures
- Bernie Sanders, US Senator (I-VT) and 2016 presidential candidate[38]
- Walter Mondale, former Vice President of the United States and Democratic nominee for President in 1984
State Senators
- Jeff Hayden
- Melisa Franzen
- Jason Isaacson
- Sandy Pappas, Senate President, 2013-2017
- Carolyn Laine
- Melissa Wiklund
State Representatives
- Rena Moran
- David Bly
- Mike Freiberg
- Mary Kunesh-Podein
- Susan Allen
- Jim Davnie
- Sheldon Johnson
- Fue Lee
- John Lesch
- Carlos Mariani
- Raymond Dehn
- Karen Clark
- Erin Koegel
- Alice Hausman
- Cheryl Youakim
- Ryan Winkler, former and candidate
- Betty Folliard, former
County Commissioners
- Patrick Boyle, St. Louis
- Frank Jewell, St. Louis
- Debbie Goettell, Hennepin
- Linda Higgins, Hennepin
- Mary Jo McGuire, Ramsey
Mayors
- Melvin Carter, St. Paul
- Jacob Frey, Minneapolis
- Ted Kozlowski, Stillwater
- Dan Lund, Newport
- Shep Harris, Golden Valley
- Jim Hovland, Edina
- Myron Bailey, Cottage Grove
City Councilors
- Steve Fletcher, Minneapolis
- Phillipe Cunningham, Minneapolis
- Jeremiah Ellison, Minneapolis
- Abdi Warsame, Minneapolis
- Lisa Goodman, Minneapolis
- Andrea Jenkins, Minneapolis
- Alondra Cano, Minneapolis
- Lisa Bender, Minneapolis
- Jeremy Schroeder, Minneapolis
- Linea Palmisano, Minneapolis
- Marquita Butler, Brooklyn Center
- Amy Bredmoen, St. Paul
- Anne Mavity, St. Louis Park
- Tim Brausen, St. Louis Park
- Maria Regan Gonzales, Richfield
- Edwin Garcia, Richfield
- Simon Trautman, Richfield
- Joanie Clausen, Golden Valley
- Steve Schmidgall, Golden Valley
- Jason Gad, Hopkins
Others
- Steve Marchese, St. Paul school board member
- Rachel Bohman, Rochester township board member
Doug Wardlow (R)
- National Figures
- U.S. Representatives
- Organizations
- Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis[42]
- Minnesota State Cattlemen's Association PAC[43]
- Minnesota Gun Owners PAC[44]
- National Federation of Independent Business[45]
- Newspapers
Declined to endorse
- Newspapers
Debates
- Complete video of debate at Twin Cities PBS, September 21, 2018
Polling
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Keith Ellison (DFL) |
Doug Wardlow (R) |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SurveyUSA | October 29–31, 2018 | 600 | ±5.3% | 44% | 40% | 4% | 12% |
| Mason-Dixon | October 15–17, 2018 | 800 | ±3.5% | 36% | 43% | 5% | 16% |
| Mason-Dixon | September 10–12, 2018 | 800 | ±3.5% | 41% | 36% | 5% | 18% |
| SurveyUSA | September 6–8, 2018 | 574 | ±4.9% | 41% | 41% | 4% | 14% |
Results
County Results for Noah Johnson:
Map legend
- 8%
- 7%
- 6%
- 5%
- 4%
- 3%
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic (DFL) | Keith Ellison | 1,249,407 | 48.96% | -3.64 | |
| Republican | Doug Wardlow | 1,150,459 | 45.08% | +6.07 | |
| Grassroots—LC | Noah Johnson (withdrawn) | 145,748 | 5.71% | N/A | |
| Write-in | 6,158 | 0.24% | +0.20 | ||
| Total votes | 2,551,772 | 100.00% | N/A | ||
| Democratic (DFL) hold | |||||
See also
References
- Coolican, J. Patrick (January 28, 2018). "Attorney General Lori Swanson running for re-election, not governor". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on January 29, 2018. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
- Coolican, J. Patrick; Golden, Erin (June 5, 2018). "Attorney General Lori Swanson shakes up DFL field in governor's race". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on June 12, 2018. Retrieved June 5, 2018.
- Van Berkel, Jessie (June 6, 2018). "DFL candidates flood the field on final filing day". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on June 12, 2018. Retrieved June 7, 2018.
- Featherly, Kevin (July 13, 2018). "Keith Ellison thinks it's 'the right moment'". Minnesota Lawyer. BridgeTower Media. Archived from the original on July 20, 2018. Retrieved July 19, 2018.
- Featherly, Kevin (July 5, 2018). "Tom Foley: Attorney general job isn't just anti-Trump megaphone". Minnesota Lawyer. BridgeTower Media. Archived from the original on July 19, 2018. Retrieved July 19, 2018.
- Callaghan, Peter (July 10, 2018). "Tom Foley stresses his legal and administrative skills as differentiating factor in AG race". MinnPost. Archived from the original on July 20, 2018. Retrieved July 19, 2018.
- Featherly, Kevin (June 28, 2018). "Debra Hilstrom: 'A work horse, not a show horse'". Minnesota Lawyer. BridgeTower Media. Archived from the original on June 28, 2018. Retrieved June 28, 2018.
- Callaghan, Peter (July 13, 2018). "In run for attorney general, Hilstrom touts experience as both legislator and prosecutor". MinnPost. Archived from the original on July 20, 2018. Retrieved July 19, 2018.
- Pugmire, Tim (January 29, 2018). "Swanson's plan thins DFL field for attorney general". Minnesota Public Radio. Archived from the original on January 29, 2018. Retrieved January 29, 2018.
- Coolican, J. Patrick (September 18, 2017). "Attorney, activist from Northfield seeks DFL running for attorney general". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on January 18, 2018. Retrieved January 17, 2018.
- Featherly, Kevin (June 13, 2018). "Matt Pelikan thinks he has a solid shot". Minnesota Lawyer. BridgeTower Media. Archived from the original on July 20, 2018. Retrieved July 19, 2018.
- Callaghan, Peter (July 11, 2018). "Instead of just being depressed by Trump's victory, Matt Pelikan decided to run for Minnesota attorney general". MinnPost. Archived from the original on July 20, 2018. Retrieved July 19, 2018.
- Featherly, Kevin (June 21, 2018). "DFLer Mike Rothman says he's ready from day one". Minnesota Lawyer. BridgeTower Media. Archived from the original on June 29, 2018. Retrieved June 28, 2018.
- Callaghan, Peter (July 6, 2018). "Is running the Department of Commerce great training for being Minnesota attorney general? That's the case Mike Rothman is making". MinnPost. Archived from the original on July 20, 2018. Retrieved July 19, 2018.
- Dovere, Edward-Isaac (January 26, 2018). "Ellison exploring Minnesota AG run". Politico. Archived from the original on January 27, 2018. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
- Dovere, Edward-Isaac (June 4, 2018). "DNC Deputy Chair Ellison expected to run for Minnesota AG". Politico. Archived from the original on June 5, 2018. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
- Van Berkel, Jessie; Rao, Maya (June 2, 2018). "DFL endorses Pelikan for AG after Swanson drops bid for party nod". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on June 23, 2018. Retrieved June 2, 2018.
- Van Berkel, Jessie (June 6, 2018). "Mike Hatch says he will withdraw from Minnesota attorney general race". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on June 7, 2018. Retrieved June 6, 2018.
- Van Berkel, Jessie (December 14, 2017). "St. Paul City Attorney Sam Clark announces campaign for Minnesota attorney general". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on January 18, 2018. Retrieved January 17, 2018.
- Clark, Sam (January 31, 2018). "Announcement". Facebook. Retrieved January 31, 2018.
- Bakst, Brian (April 4, 2017). "DFLer Lesch sets up campaign to run for Minnesota AG". Minnesota Public Radio. Archived from the original on January 18, 2018. Retrieved January 17, 2018.
- Bakst, Brian (September 15, 2017). "DFL state Rep. Lesch ends bid for attorney general". Minnesota Public Radio. Archived from the original on January 18, 2018. Retrieved January 17, 2018.
- Golden, Erin (November 16, 2016). "Former state Rep. Ryan Winkler announces 2018 run for Minnesota attorney general". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on January 18, 2018. Retrieved January 17, 2018.
- "Statewide Results for Attorney General". Minnesota Secretary of State. Archived from the original on August 15, 2018. Retrieved August 19, 2018.
- Featherly, Kevin (August 9, 2018). "Quirky candidate Anderson's running for AG—again". Minnesota Lawyer. BridgeTower Media. Archived from the original on August 9, 2018. Retrieved August 9, 2018.
- Beager, Laurel (June 12, 2018). "'The Old Trapper' seeks state's top legal post". International Falls Journal. Big Fish Media. Retrieved June 17, 2018.
- Featherly, Kevin (July 27, 2018). "Bob Lessard runs for attorney general to protect Legacy funds". Minnesota Lawyer. BridgeTower Media. Archived from the original on July 30, 2018. Retrieved July 29, 2018.
- Salisbury, Bill (August 9, 2018). "Former Rep. Wardlow faces longtime DFLer in Minnesota attorney general primary". Pioneer Press. Archived from the original on August 10, 2018. Retrieved August 9, 2018.
- Bierschbach, Briana (January 10, 2018). "The campaign to become Minnesota's next attorney general is crowded, intense — and very much under the radar". MinnPost. Archived from the original on January 18, 2018. Retrieved January 17, 2018.
- Featherly, Kevin (July 20, 2018). "As attorney general, Doug Wardlow would insist on 'rule of law'". Minnesota Lawyer. BridgeTower Media. Archived from the original on July 27, 2018. Retrieved July 26, 2018.
- Lopez, Ricardo (April 17, 2017). "Republican attorney Harry Niska joins race for AG". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on January 18, 2018. Retrieved January 17, 2018.
- Bakst, Brian (November 6, 2017). "Republican lawyer Niska leaves Minn. AG race". Minnesota Public Radio. Archived from the original on January 18, 2018. Retrieved January 17, 2018.
- Featherly, Kevin (June 14, 2018). "Bar Buzz: Pro-pot AG candidate's got high hopes". Minnesota Lawyer. BridgeTower Media. Archived from the original on June 16, 2018. Retrieved June 17, 2018.
- Featherly, Kevin (August 3, 2018). "Weed backer hopes to smoke competition in AG race". Minnesota Lawyer. BridgeTower Media. Archived from the original on August 4, 2018. Retrieved August 9, 2018.
- Van Berkel, Jessie (October 15, 2018). "Legalize Cannabis candidate endorses Keith Ellison for attorney general". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on October 19, 2018. Retrieved October 19, 2018.
- Choi, Matthew (October 27, 2018). "Keith Ellison reeling after abuse allegations". Politico. Archived from the original on October 28, 2018. Retrieved October 29, 2018.
- "Endorsements — Keith Ellison for Attorney General". Archived from the original on July 11, 2018. Retrieved July 10, 2018.
- Bernie Sanders. "It was great to support @EllisonCampaign in Minnesota, @tammybaldwin and @IronStache in Wisconsin, and @JohnFetterman in Pennsylvania this weekend and to see thousands and thousands of people across the country ready to work for progressive change". Twitter. Archived from the original on July 19, 2018. Retrieved July 18, 2018.
- Tom Emmer. "Congratulations to @MNJeffJohnson and @doug_wardlow on their primary wins. Look forward to working with the entire @mngop ticket to #TurnMNRed this November". Twitter. Archived from the original on November 6, 2018. Retrieved August 17, 2018.
- Doug Wardlow. "I'm proud to have the endorsement of Congressman Jason Lewis! "Doug Wardlow understands better than most the Attorney General is there to enforce the laws of the state of Minnesota- and not there to create them." #VoteWardlow #MNAG". Twitter.
- Doug Wardlow. ""We've had far too much activism in that office in the past and @EllisonCampaign, along with the help of his supporters like Angie Craig, would surely be more of the same. That's why I'm glad to support Doug." #VoteWardlow #MNAG". Twitter.
- Doug Wardlow. ""We trust that as Attorney General, Doug Wardlow will have our back. He will stand with law enforcement and work with us to keep Minnesota families safe." - Lt. Bob Kroll #VoteWardlow". Twitter.
- Doug Wardlow. "I'm proud to have earned the endorsement of the Minnesota State Cattlemen's Association PAC! As Attorney General, I will fight to improve the economic climate for our agriculture industry. #VoteWardlow #MNAG". Twitter.
- Strawser, Bryan (October 18, 2018). "Minnesota Gun Owners PAC endorses Doug Wardlow for Attorney General". mngopac.org. Archived from the original on October 24, 2018. Retrieved October 23, 2018.
- Bauman, Christine (October 26, 2018). "Doug Wardlow Endorsed By Leading Small Business Group". Alpha News MN. Archived from the original on October 27, 2018. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
- News Tribune Editorial Board (October 10, 2018). "Our View / Endorsement: Remove politics from AG's office with Wardlow". Duluth News Tribune. Archived from the original on October 11, 2018. Retrieved October 11, 2018.
- Editorial Board (November 1, 2018). "Two flawed candidates, no endorsement in state AG's race". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on November 5, 2018. Retrieved November 5, 2018.
- "Statewide Results for Attorney General". Minnesota Secretary of State. Archived from the original on November 25, 2018. Retrieved November 18, 2018.
External links
- Official campaign websites
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