Ellison was an active supporter and local leader of the [[Nation of Islam]] before his election to Congress. Ellison first sought office as Democrat in 1998 as Ellison-Muhammad, a self-avowed member of the Nation of Islam. This is just one of three known Nation of Islam names Ellison has used over time. | Ellison was an active supporter and local leader of the [[Nation of Islam]] before his election to Congress. Ellison first sought office as Democrat in 1998 as Ellison-Muhammad, a self-avowed member of the Nation of Islam. This is just one of three known Nation of Islam names Ellison has used over time. |