Bernie Sanders returns to Minnesota to campaign with AG Keith Ellison

Bernie Sanders returns to the Twin Cities for a campaign rally Friday.

What's happening: The U.S. senator and former presidential candidate will campaign with DFL Attorney General Keith Ellison.

• The schedule includes a 1pm Friday rally at the University of Minnesota.

State of play: The visit comes as polling shows Ellison locked in a tight race with GOP challenger Jim Schultz.

Between the lines: Sanders may not help Ellison win over swing voters — his presence has already drawn fresh attacks that the incumbent attorney general is too liberal.

Yes, but: Sanders could motivate young and progressive voters to the polls to increase Ellison's margins in DFL strongholds.

Flashback: Sanders won Minnesota's 2016 caucus in a landslide. He came in second in the 2020 primary, with 30% of the vote.

• Ellison endorsed Sanders both times.