State Rep. Elliott Engen, R-Lino Lakes, has been charged with misdemeanor DWI after White Bear Lake police say he was driving while intoxicated early Friday morning.
Alpha News previously reported Engen’s vehicle was stopped shortly before 2 a.m. after officers clocked it at 44 mph in a posted 30 mph zone near Otter Lake Road and Fourth Street.
The police report states that Engen initially told an officer he was “sober cabbing” for his passengers and “repeatedly” denied drinking.
The report says officers observed signs of impairment and conducted field sobriety testing. An evidentiary breath test later administered at the police department showed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.13, according to police. Minnesota’s legal limit is 0.08.
Engen’s attorney, Chris Madel, told Alpha News the breath-test results were 0.098 and 0.092 rather than 0.13.
In a post on X, Engen apologized, writing, “To my family, colleagues and constituents. I am deeply sorry. I strive to be a man of good character, and my actions fell short last night. I will learn from this. I will do better.”
To my family, colleagues and constituents. I am deeply sorry.
I strive to be a man of good character, and my actions fell short last night.
I will learn from this. I will do better.
Elliott
— Elliott Engen (@elliottengenMN) March 27, 2026
Rep. Walter Hudson identified as passenger
The police report also identified one of the passengers as Rep. Walter Hudson, R-Albertville.
According to the report, Hudson informed officers that he was carrying a firearm and voluntarily handed over a 9mm Smith & Wesson handgun. Officers confirmed that he had a valid permit to carry.
Engen stated that both passengers had been drinking, but the report does not indicate that Hudson was given a breath test, and no charges were filed. Hudson’s firearm was taken for safekeeping and logged into evidence.
Minnesota law prohibits permit holders from carrying a firearm with a blood alcohol concentration above 0.04.
According to the report, police observed a bottle of alcohol in a child’s car seat and Hudson said the bottle belonged to him.
Hudson told Alpha News, “Poor choices were made. I’m grateful no one was hurt, and appreciate the response of the White Bear Lake Police Department.”
State auditor’s race
Engen, a 28-year-old Republican in his second term representing the Lino Lakes and White Bear Township area, is currently running for state auditor
The DWI allegation adds an unusual wrinkle to the state auditor race: Engen’s Democratic opponent, Rep. Dan Wolgamott, was also arrested on suspicion of drunken 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.
Jenna Gloeb
Jenna Gloeb is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist, media producer, public speaker, and screenwriter. Most recently, she worked as a reporter and on-air host for CCX Media. Jenna is a Minnesota native and resides in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, daughter, and two dogs.
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