Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced Tuesday that he won’t run for governor but will continue to seek reelection this year to his current post.

“Minnesota is in an unprecedented moment,” said Ellison, who was first elected in 2018, in a statement. “The President of the United States is tearing apart families and terrorizing our communities. Defending our state as Attorney General is the most important thing I have done in my career.”

Amid a surge of federal agents in the Twin Cities, immigration authorities are facing backlash from residents and the local leaders. A Minneapolis woman, Renee Good, was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent earlier this month.

Gov. Tim Walz announced earlier this month he will not seek reelection. So far, no prominent DFL candidate has emerged though there has been speculation U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar could enter the race.

Besides House Speaker Lisa Demuth, Republicans running for governor in 2026 include MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, 2022 gubernatorial candidate Dr. Scott Jensen, a doctor who rose to prominence for his criticism of state COVID policy; state Rep. Kristin Robbins; attorney Chris Madel; 2022

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Republican endorsement contender Kendall Qualls, a former congressional candidate; and businessman Patrick Knight.

Ellison said he will focus on his duties as attorney general going forward.

He said he will continue to focus on taking “on powerful interests on behalf of Minnesotans” and cited examples such as lowering the cost of insulin, helping those with medical debt and holding opioid companies accountable.

Precinct caucuses are Feb. 3.