Reality TV Star Gulbranson Announces Run for Congress

The 'Summer House' personality is challenging incumbent Republican Rep. Pete Stauber in Minnesota.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 3:53pm

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An abstract, energetic painting with overlapping geometric shapes and vibrant colors, conceptually representing the unpredictable nature of a reality TV personality running for Congress.The announcement of a reality TV star's congressional campaign injects an element of unpredictability into Minnesota's political landscape.Minneapolis Today

Luke Gulbranson, a reality TV star known for shows like 'Summer House' and 'Selling the OC', has announced he is running for Congress as a Democrat in Minnesota. Gulbranson, 42, is seeking to unseat incumbent Republican Rep. Pete Stauber, who has held the seat since 2019. Gulbranson highlighted his rough upbringing and opposition to Trump-era policies in his campaign launch video.

Why it matters

Gulbranson's candidacy represents the continued blurring of lines between entertainment and politics, with more celebrities and reality TV personalities seeking elected office. His campaign could also impact the balance of power in Congress if he is able to flip the seat from Republican to Democratic control.

The details

Gulbranson is running on the Democrat-Farmer-Labor ticket, which is Minnesota's affiliate of the Democratic Party. He is seeking to unseat incumbent Republican Rep. Pete Stauber in a district that spreads north from just outside the Minneapolis metro area to the Iron Range region near Lake Superior. Stauber has held the seat since 2019.

  • Gulbranson announced his congressional campaign on April 15, 2026.

The players

Luke Gulbranson

A 42-year-old reality TV personality known for shows like 'Summer House' and 'Selling the OC', who is running for Congress as a Democrat in Minnesota.

Pete Stauber

The incumbent Republican congressman who has held the Minnesota seat since 2019 that Gulbranson is challenging.

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What they’re saying

“Yeah, I've been on reality TV. But 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, Congressional Candidate

What’s next

Gulbranson will need to win the Democratic primary before facing off against Stauber in the general election in November 2026.

The takeaway

Gulbranson's candidacy reflects the growing trend of celebrities and reality TV personalities seeking elected office, blurring the lines between entertainment and politics. His campaign could have significant implications for the balance of power in Congress if he is able to flip the Minnesota seat from Republican to Democratic control.