From Drop Site News · Claire Kelloway · · 2m
GOP Corporate Funders Target Minnesota AG
Minnesota's attorney general faces corporate-backed attacks as GOP targets his third term bid.
In brief
Minnesota's attorney general faces corporate-backed attacks as GOP targets his third term bid. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison faces corporate-funded attacks from Republican challenger Ron Schutz over fraud scandals and federal policy. Originally reported by Drop Site News.
Minnesota AG Race
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison runs for third term against Republican challenger Ron Schutz.
Close Election Race
Ellison won 50.4% to 49.5% by 20,000 votes last time; current poll shows Schutz slightly ahead with 45% to Ellison's 43%.
State AG Role
State attorneys general shape state posture toward federal government, especially after Operation Metro Surge.
RAGA Funding
Dark money and special interest groups have funneled tens of millions to Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA) since 1999.
RAGA Donors
Top RAGA donors in 2: Elon Musk, OpenAI, Koch Industries, FanDuel, Bayer.
Competitive Races
Eight competitive state attorney general races this year; three lean Democrat, three lean Republican, two toss-ups.
Ellison's ICE Cases
Ellison sued federal government for violating constitutional rights after ICE agents arrived in 2025.
Ellison's Legal Cases
Ellison sued federal government over deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti; cases ongoing.
Ellison's Anti-Corporate Work
Ellison defended Minnesotans against federal and corporate bullying through lawsuits.
Schutz's Fraud Focus
Schutz claims he will do more to prevent fraud than Ellison did in past term.
Feeding Our Future Scandal
Feeding Our Future stole $250 million from pandemic food program; majority of fraudsters are Somali Americans.
Schutz's Fraud Claims
Schutz says Ellison accepted too many plea deals in fraud cases; almost no one goes to jail.
Ellison's Fraud Response
Ellison won 300 Medicaid fraud convictions and advocated for stronger penalties.
Schutz's Background
Schutz was partner at Robins Kaplan; chaired judicial selection commission for former governor Tim Pawlenty.
Schutz's Corporate Holdings
Schutz has $1.74 million in personal stock holdings in companies he will prosecute.
Corporate Attack Ads
Dark money PACs spent $6.8 million on attack ads against Ellison, far more than $1.8 million for Schutz.
Ellison's Corporate Support
Ellison received $4.2 million in outside PAC support versus $423,000 for Schutz.
The key point
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison faces corporate-funded attacks from Republican challenger Ron Schutz over fraud scandals and federal policy.
