Rep. Elliott Engen abandons auditor bid, seeks House reelection
Rep. Elliott Engen abandoned his campaign for Minnesota state auditor and instead filed to seek reelection to the Minnesota House in District 36A.[1]
Engen had announced an auditor bid in October but failed to file by the June 2 deadline to run for that statewide office.[1] He filed for reelection to the House seat representing Centerville, Circle Pines, Lino Lakes, North Oaks and parts of White Bear Township.[1]
Engen was arrested on March 27 after a traffic stop for speeding, expired registration and a broken headlight, and he registered a 0.13 blood-alcohol content; he later appeared before the House Ethics Committee.[1] Rep. Walter Hudson was a passenger in Engen's vehicle, and both were photographed drinking after leaving an education committee hearing and then returning for a floor session.[1] House DFL members filed ethics complaints, and House Speaker Lisa Demuth said she was "extremely disappointed" and would consider consequences as the legal process unfolded.[1]
Engen's decision keeps him on the ballot for his House seat this fall and removes him from the auditor contest he publicly announced in October.[1]
Show source details & analysis (1 source)
📌 Key Facts
- Rep. Elliott Engen failed to file by the June 2, 2026 deadline to run for Minnesota state auditor, despite announcing that bid in October.
- Engen instead filed for reelection in House District 36A, representing Centerville, Circle Pines, Lino Lakes, North Oaks and parts of White Bear Township.
- Engen was arrested March 27 for DWI after being stopped for speeding, expired registration and a broken headlight, and registered a 0.13 blood-alcohol content; he later appeared before the House Ethics Committee over the incident.
- Rep. Walter Hudson was a passenger in Engen’s vehicle, and both were photographed drinking after leaving an education committee hearing and returning for a floor session.
- House DFL members filed ethics complaints, and House Speaker Lisa Demuth said she was “extremely disappointed” and would consider consequences as the legal process unfolded.
📰 Source Timeline (1)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time