Minnesota GOP Rep. Elliott Engen arrested on suspicion of drunk driving

Republican Minnesota Rep. Elliott Engen was arrested overnight on suspicion of drunk driving, White Bear Lake police confirmed in a statement.

The police department said officers conducted a traffic stop at 1:51 a.m. Friday near the intersection of 4th Street and Otter Lake Road in White Bear Lake. The stop was initiated because the vehicle had expired registration tabs, an inoperable headlight, and was observed speeding, police said.

NEW overnight:
MN State Rep. Elliott Engen (R-36A) was arrested overnight on probable cause DWI. He’s been released on recognizance.

A statement has been requested. pic.twitter.com/khNnC57HHN

— CrimeWatchMpls (@CrimeWatchMpls) March 27, 2026

The driver was identified as Engen, a 28-year-old Republican legislator in his second term who represents the Lino Lakes and White Bear Township area. He is currently running for state auditor.

According to police, Engen had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.13. He was booked into the Ramsey County Adult Detention Center on a fourth-degree DWI charge and later released from custody. The case has been forwarded to the city’s prosecuting attorney.

Democrat Rep. Dan Wolgamott, who is also running for state auditor, was arrested for drunk driving in 2023. Other current lawmakers who have been arrested for DWI over the last several years include Republican Sen. John Jasinski, Democrat Sen. Tou Xiong, and Democrat Rep. Brion Curran.

Prominent Twin Cities attorney Chris Madel is representing Engen. He said the breath tests show Engen blew .098 and .092, not 0.13.

“Elliott regrets his actions,” Madel said. When asked if Engen plans to drop out of the auditor’s race, Madel responded: “We haven’t discussed it, but I sure hope not.”

Anthony Gockowski

Anthony Gockowski is Editor-in-Chief of Alpha News. He previously worked as an editor for The Minnesota Sun and Campus Reform, and wrote for the Daily Caller.