Minnesota AG Ellison claims victory with narrow lead

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Crime remains top issue for voters in Minnesota

Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Scott Jensen joined 'The Ingraham Angle' to discuss his candidacy and what issues matter to voters ahead of Election Day.

Democratic Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison continued to hold a narrow lead over Republican challenger Jim Schultz on Wednesday. 

While the race had yet to be called, the incumbent claimed victory. 

"Thank you Minnesota, for the great honor of serving you as your Attorney General and for reelecting me last night," he said in a tweet. "I promise to continue helping you afford your lives and live with dignity, safety, and respect – every day."

The Associated Press said Ellison led Schultz by about 21,000 votes, which is well outside the margin for a publicly funded recount.

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Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison speaks at an election night party, early Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022, in St. Paul. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Democrats won big in the state, clinching both houses of the state Legislature and the governor’s race to take full control of state government for the first time in eight years.

Gov. Tim Walz won re-election against the GOP's Scott Jensen with a little more than 52% of the vote against Jensen’s 44.6%.

Republican Jim Schultz participates in a debate against Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, Oct. 14, 2022, St. Paul, Minnesota. (Glen Stubbe/Star Tribune via AP, File)

Julie Blaha also claimed victory over Republican opponent Ryan Wilson in the Minnesota state auditor race, although it has not yet been called.

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"I'm honored by Minnesotans' confidence in my leadership and I'm grateful to have the opportunity to continue to serve them," she said in a Wednesday release.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks to an election-night party after winning re-election against Republican challenger Scott Jensen, Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, in St. Paul. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

"Our victory is a message that the Minnesotans want their auditor to continue to focus on local government, to ultimately protect our freedom to make decisions in our own communities," Blaha said.

Ryan Wilson's campaign told Fox News Digital in an emailed statement that he is grateful to the Minnesotans that supported and believed in his campaign. 

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"We had a vision for improving our schools and strengthening our communities using the tools of the Office of the State Auditor," Wilson said. "I congratulate Auditor Blaha on her win and hope that our campaign has raised awareness of how the Office of the State Auditor can and should be used to help support our communities."

Schultz did not immediately reply to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

Fox News Digital's Stephen Sorace and The Associated Press contributed to this report.