What's an attorney general do? Fraud, consumer protection, and Trump policies central to AG race in Minnesota
Ellison emphasized economic issues and lawsuits against the Trump administration. Schutz leaned in on fraud and his experience as a trial lawyer.
The contest for Minnesota’s next attorney general has drawn millions in outside spending and is considered an opportunity for a Republican to claim a statewide seat for the first time in 20 years.
Outside groups have spent $12 million on the race, more than double what the candidates raised together, according to a story from MPR News.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris generated some buzz for DFL Attorney General Keith Ellison when she called into his campaign event in St. Cloud last week.
Ellison emphasized economic issues and lawsuits against President Donald Trump’s administration. Republican challenger Ron Schutz leaned in on fraud and his experience as a trial lawyer in a message to Project Optimist. Schutz wasn’t available for an interview.
The attorney general is the state’s top legal officer – ensuring state laws are upheld, representing state agencies and commissions, and protecting the public by enforcing consumer protection, antitrust, and charities laws.
Attorneys general from red and blue states have worked together on cases against corporations, such as those against opioid manufacturers. Republican attorneys general have challenged the policies of Democratic presidents and vice versa.
Ellison’s office lists 80 challenges of Trump administration policy since January 2025. The list includes a mix of temporary injunctions, settlements, ongoing litigation, wins, and denials.
Days after Ellison rallied a diverse crowd in St. Cloud, federal officials held a press conference there, highlighting new fraud charges against people from around the Twin Cities.
Schutz and Ellison both vowed to prosecute fraud and touted lawsuits against large corporations. Schutz challenged Ellison’s focus on affordability.
Matthew Blake
“I urge the voters in Minnesota to look at their shopping cart the next time they go to the grocery store and pick up each item and ask themselves whether Keith Ellison set the price of that item,” Schutz wrote in an email. “Ellison’s claim that he makes your life affordable is nonsense.”
Ellison pointed to specific lawsuits that benefit consumers: wage-theft suits against employers, a case that allows farmers to repair their John Deere equipment, a settlement that capped insulin at $35 per month for five years, lawsuits challenging funding cuts for SNAP and Americorps programs.
Schutz started his career as an Army officer and military prosecutor and was named in Forbes' list of America’s Top Lawyers in 2024 and 2025.
“Much of my practice has involved representing individuals and small businesses taking on some of the largest corporations in the world,” Schutz wrote in an opinion piece shared with Project Optimist. “In one case against General Electric, I represented the inventor of the MRI and won $110 million. That victory saved his business”
At the St. Cloud town hall, Ellison pointed to 350 Medicaid fraud prosecutions by his office and said he asked the Legislature for more staff and increased punishments and restitution to support fraud cases.
Schutz writes that he will, “relentlessly pursue fraudsters and those who exploit Minnesotans. If you cheat taxpayers, prey on seniors, or take advantage of vulnerable families, I will come after you. Protecting the public’s money and protecting the public’s trust will be central responsibilities of my office.”
Schutz framed the race as a choice between a career politician and a trial lawyer. Ellison situated himself as the candidate ready to challenge the Trump administration.
“If they mess around with the election, I will sue them,” Ellison said in St. Cloud. “We already have our documents ready.”