Reality TV personality Luke Gulbranson has entered the political arena, announcing his candidacy as a Democrat against Republican Rep. Pete Stauber. minnesota Eighth Congressional District.
The Tieling native revealed his campaign via video, emphasizing his working-class background and concerns about the current political climate.
His arrival comes just weeks before the Democratic Farmers’ Labor Party’s (DFL) endorsement conference, making the race even more competitive.
Who is Luke Gulbranson?
Gulbrandsen is known for appearing on reality TV shows such as “Summer House” and “The OC”. Originally from Eveleth minnesota, He has deep roots in Tieling—his family still lives there. In addition to his television career, he works in acting, modeling and luxury real estate and splits his time between Everest, Los Angeles and New York. He also returned to his hometown during the pandemic, built a house in the woods and owns a maple syrup company that will be launched in Target stores, the Star Tribune reported.
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Luke Gulbranson’s background and why he entered politics
Gulbrandsen spoke of his experience growing up in financial hardship, saying his family relied on aid programs.
“I know what it’s like to be without power several times, to need food assistance or go hungry, to need Medicaid or not see a doctor,” he said. “But I had hockey. I had woods. I had people in Iron Ridge who taught me how to keep going,” he said in a campaign video.
“I’m close to the people in northern Minnesota. I’m a small-town kid. I know the hardships, I know what they’re going through,” he told the Star Tribune in an interview.
Gulbranson pointed to the political environment in Washington in explaining his decision to run.
“I wake up every morning and see dangerous rhetoric and crazy rhetoric coming out of Washington, and I can’t stand it,” he said. “I see what’s happening in our country and I care so much that I can’t look away.” He also added in the campaign video that it was “real drama with real consequences.”
Future competition and challenges
Gulbranson is entering a crowded Democratic primary field, admitting he joined late but remains steadfast.
“I would have loved to have been recognized by the DFL, that would have been fantastic. But the reality is, I’m late to the game,” he said.
“We’re going to do everything we can to win the primary, take on Pete Stauber and beat him,” he added in the interview.
Stauber, who has held the seat since Democrat Rick Nolan retired in 2018, is a strong incumbent in a district that has tilted toward Donald Trump in recent elections. Gulbranson believes his local roots and outsider image can help him connect with voters in northern Minnesota, Kare 11 reported.
