Luke Gulbranson Launches Congressional Campaign Against Pete Stauber

Luke Gulbranson, a 42-year-old reality TV star known for his role in Bravo's "Summer House," has announced his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives, challenging Republican incumbent Pete Stauber in Minnesota's 8th Congressional District. Gulbranson shared his campaign launch via a video on Instagram, where he highlighted his personal struggles growing up in Minnesota and emphasized the importance of union jobs in his community. He stated, "I wake up every morning and there’s this dangerous rhetoric and this madness coming out of D.C. And I can’t stand it."

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Gulbranson's campaign is centered around several key issues, including healthcare, community safety, and economic support for families. He criticized the actions of ICE agents in Minnesota and Congress's decisions that he believes threaten healthcare access. He expressed concern over the allocation of funds, stating, "Spending $200 billion on a war when we need to be spending that money at home, taking care of our own people." His platform also includes a commitment to protecting the environment and supporting good-paying union jobs.

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Gulbranson's entry into the race comes just weeks before the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL) endorsement convention. Despite entering the race late, he remains determined to continue his campaign regardless of the endorsement outcome. He noted the potential for a boost from Senator Amy Klobuchar's popularity in the upcoming gubernatorial race, which could positively impact down-ballot candidates like himself. "We’re going to put our best foot forward, and we will work our tails off to win the primary," he stated.

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Gulbranson has specifically targeted Stauber's support for policies associated with former President Donald Trump, particularly the tax bill that he argues has led to hospital closures in rural Minnesota. He articulated the challenges faced by healthcare facilities in the region, emphasizing the need for adequate funding to keep them operational. "If you’re going to cut funding for these facilities that need to keep their doors open, that becomes a problem," he remarked.

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Gulbranson, a native of Eveleth, Minnesota, shared his personal history in his campaign materials, discussing his experiences with financial hardship and the support he received from his community. He believes that his background makes him relatable to voters in northern Minnesota, stating, "I’m a small-town kid. I know the hardships, I know what they’re going through."

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• “That’s drama for show. What’s happening in D.C. is real drama with real consequences. And the stakes couldn’t be higher.” — Luke Gulbranson

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• “We’re in rural Minnesota, we have limited facilities as it is.” — Luke Gulbranson

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• “I see what's happening to our country and I care too much to look away,” — Luke Gulbranson

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Gulbranson's campaign represents a significant shift from reality television to political aspirations, as he aims to connect with constituents through shared experiences and a focus on pressing local issues.

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