# Minnesota AG Race Shifts as Republicans Challenge Decades-Long Democratic Hold

> Republican Ron Schutz edges Democratic Keith Ellison in Minnesota's attorney general race, signaling a potential end to Democrats' 55-year hold on the office.
- Title: Minnesota AG Race Shifts as Republicans Challenge…
- Summary: Republican Ron Schutz edges Democratic Keith Ellison in Minnesota's attorney general race, signaling a potential end to Democrats' 55-year hold on the…
- Keywords: minnesota, attorney general, keith ellison, ron schutz, republicans, democrats, nfl, poll, election, afford your life, federal investigation, minneapolis
- Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/republican-leads-minnesota-poll-democrats-seat-decades-12454517
- Published: 2026-09-17T13:13:44+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: minnesota, attorney general, keith ellison, ron schutz, republicans, democrats, nfl, poll, election, afford your life, federal investigation, minneapolis
## Race Shifts
Republican Ron Schutz leads Democratic Keith Ellison in a new KSTP/SurveyUSA poll with 45% to 43%.

> This is the year we’re going to actually end that streak.
## Historical Context
Minnesota has had a Democratic attorney general since 1971, with Keith Ellison now seeking his third term.
## Campaign Strategies
Ellison emphasizes fraud fighting and affordability, while Schutz focuses on federal accountability and consumer protection.
## Demographic Shifts
Schutz leads older voters 55% to 36%, while Ellison holds a 15-point edge with young voters.
## Key Poll Detail
The race has 12% undecided voters, with the two-point gap within the poll's margin of error.
## Schutz's Background
Schutz is a former Army JAG Corps lawyer with a focus on fraud and consumer protection.
## Ellison's Campaign
Ellison's 'Afford Your Life' campaign targets household expenses and affordability issues.
## Federal Incident
Schutz cites the Alex Pretti shooting as evidence of his commitment to federal accountability.
## Historical Wins
Ellison won by 49% to 45% in 2018 and 50.4% to 49.5% in 2022.
## Race Outcome
The race may turn on whether Schutz can win over moderates or Ellison can rebuild his coalition.
## Key takeaway

Schutz's two-point lead in the latest poll marks the first time Republicans have gained an edge in this statewide office since 1971.