Minnesota Reps. Hudson and Engen Involved in DWI Incident

Albertville Rep. Hudson revealed as passenger in Engen's drunk driving arrest

Apr. 1, 2026 at 8:22pm

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Minnesota state representatives Walter Hudson (R-Albertville) and Elliot Engen were involved in a DWI incident in White Bear Lake, with Engen being arrested for fourth-degree DWI after a traffic stop. Hudson was a passenger in Engen's vehicle and was found to be carrying a concealed firearm.

Why it matters

The arrest of a sitting state representative for drunk driving raises concerns about public safety and the conduct of elected officials. The involvement of a second representative as a passenger also raises questions about accountability and judgment within the state legislature.

The details

According to the White Bear Lake Police Department report, a police officer stopped Engen's white Ford Ranger pickup for speeding and expired registration around 1:50 a.m. on March 27. The officer observed signs of intoxication, including the smell of alcohol, Engen's watery and glassy eyes, and disheveled appearance. Engen initially denied drinking, but the officer found a bottle of alcohol in the vehicle. Hudson, one of the passengers, claimed the bottle was his. Engen failed field sobriety tests and provided breath samples of 0.142 and 0.13 BAC. He was arrested and charged with fourth-degree DWI and speeding. Hudson was also found to be carrying a concealed firearm, which was confiscated.

  • The traffic stop occurred around 1:50 a.m. on March 27, 2026.
  • Engen provided breath samples at 3:05 a.m. on March 27, 2026.

The players

Walter Hudson

A Republican state representative from Albertville, Minnesota, who was a passenger in the vehicle during Engen's DWI arrest.

Elliot Engen

A Minnesota state representative who was arrested for fourth-degree DWI after a traffic stop in White Bear Lake.

White Bear Lake Police Department

The law enforcement agency that conducted the traffic stop and arrest of Engen.

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What they’re saying

“I regret the poor decisions that were made during this incident and commend the White Bear Police Department for their professional response.”

— Walter Hudson, State Representative

“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.”

— Elliot Engen, State Representative

What’s next

The White Bear Lake Police Department has forwarded the case to the Ramsey County Attorney's Office for potential prosecution. Engen's case will proceed through the criminal justice system, and the Minnesota House of Representatives may also take disciplinary action.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for elected officials to be held accountable for their actions, especially when they involve public safety concerns like drunk driving. It raises questions about the judgment and decision-making of these representatives and the potential consequences they may face.