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White Bear Lake Today
By the People, for the People
Minnesota House Democrats to File Ethics Complaint Against GOP Reps
Reps. Engen and Hudson accused of skipping committee hearing to drink at a bar
Apr. 7, 2026 at 12:22am
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The Minnesota state capitol stands alone at night, a somber reminder of the ethical challenges facing its elected representatives.White Bear Lake TodayMinnesota House Democrats have announced plans to file an ethics complaint against Republican state Reps. Elliott Engen and Walter Hudson for allegedly leaving an Education Finance Committee hearing early to go drink at a nearby restaurant. This comes after Engen was arrested on suspicion of DWI, with Hudson in the car at the time.
Why it matters
The alleged actions of Reps. Engen and Hudson raise concerns about elected officials neglecting their legislative duties and responsibilities, especially when it comes to important decisions impacting education policy and Minnesota students. This could further erode public trust in state government.
The details
According to reports, Engen was pulled over around 2 a.m. on March 27 and arrested on suspicion of DWI, with a blood alcohol level of 0.142%. Hudson, who was in the car with Engen, told officers he had a valid concealed carry permit. A third passenger was also in the vehicle but not named in the police report. This incident comes after Engen and Hudson allegedly left an Education Finance Committee hearing early on March 26 to go drink at a nearby restaurant, as witnessed by a former House staffer.
- On March 26, Reps. Engen and Hudson allegedly left an Education Finance Committee hearing early to go to a nearby restaurant.
- Around 2 a.m. on March 27, Rep. Engen was pulled over and arrested on suspicion of DWI.
The players
Elliott Engen
Republican state representative from White Bear Lake who was arrested on suspicion of DWI.
Walter Hudson
Republican state representative from Albertville who was in the car with Rep. Engen when he was arrested.
Jamie Long
Minnesota House Democratic Leader.
Sam Sencer-Mura
Minnesota state representative and member of the Education Finance Committee.
Brian Basham
A food delivery driver, former journalist, and former House staffer who took a photo of Reps. Engen and Hudson at the restaurant.
What they’re saying
“Minnesotans should be able to trust that their representatives are here to do work, not skip their duties to go to the bar.”
— Sam Sencer-Mura, Minnesota state representative
“Reps. Engen and Hudson didn't want to be in committee in the first place; they wanted to go to the bar. On March 25, Reps. Engen and Hudson even voted to end the entire legislative session early, effectively saying they don't want anything to get done this year.”
— Zack Stephenson, Minnesota House DFL Leader
What’s next
The House DFL plans to file an ethics complaint against Reps. Engen and Hudson for their alleged actions. The two representatives will also reportedly be stripped of their committee assignments for the remainder of the legislative session.
The takeaway
This incident highlights concerns about elected officials neglecting their legislative duties and responsibilities, which could further erode public trust in state government. It raises questions about the accountability and ethical standards expected of state representatives.
