Former legislator Dennis Smith joins Minnesota's AG race

Another Republican is entering Minnesota's race for attorney general.

What's happening: Dennis Smith, an attorney and former legislator from White Bear Lake, launched his bid to challenge incumbent Democrat Keith Ellison in 2022. 

What he's saying: In a statement released yesterday, Smith listed public safety and "[fighting] Big Tech so they no longer threaten our voices and liberties" as priorities.

The state of play: While Ellison's profile has risen nationally in the wake of his successful prosecution of Derek Chauvin, a number of Republicans are lining up to challenge the progressive Democrat next year. 

• MyPillow attorney Doug Wardlow, a former state legislator who lost to Ellison by four percentage points in 2018, announced in February that he's seeking the GOP endorsement and nomination.
• A third candidate, criminal defense attorney Lynne Torgerson, has also filed to run in the GOP primary.

Between the lines: Expect GOP candidates to make law and order, as well as Ellison's role enforcing penalties against businesses that violated state COVID-19 restrictions, major themes.