Luke Gulbranson, a former cast member on Bravo’s “Summer House,” announced a congressional campaign in Minnesota, entering the race against Republican Rep. Pete Stauber in the state’s 8th Congressional District.
Gulbranson, 42, released an announcement video outlining the issues driving his decision to run, pointing to rising costs and policy decisions affecting workers in his home region.
“Costs are up—we feel it at the pump and the checkout line. Health care is under attack, forcing families to choose between paying bills and affording prescriptions,” the caption accompanying his campaign video states.
The message also references economic conditions in northern Minnesota, including job losses tied to mining operations and concerns about federal policy affecting local industries.
👀 "Summer House" alum Luke Gulbranson announces his campaign for Congress.
Credit: YouTube/Luke Gulbranson for Congress pic.twitter.com/oUi9AXiJHz
— TMZ (@TMZ) April 15, 2026
“Unions are being targeted, like in St. Louis County where this administration is threatening to cut funding if we ensure fair wages for union workers,” the caption continues.
“And in northern Minnesota, two mines are down, leaving 600 people out of work, all while the President uses foreign steel for his own projects.”
Gulbranson framed his campaign as focused on shifting congressional priorities toward working-class concerns.
Hasn’t the Summer House been put through enough this month?!
— Tricia McLaughlin (@TriciaOhio) April 15, 2026
“It’s time for Congress to work for the people again—not special interests, not party politics, and not the President. Join me in my run for Congress today,” the statement reads.
In the video, Gulbranson emphasized his personal background, describing financial hardship during his upbringing.
“I didn’t grow up with much,” he said. “I know what it’s like to get the power turned off a few times. To need food assistance, or go hungry. To need Medicaid, or you couldn’t see a doctor.”
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He addressed questions about his transition from television to politics directly.
“Life has a funny way of closing one door and opening another,” Gulbranson said.
“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.”
Gulbranson also pointed to specific issues he plans to focus on, including immigration enforcement, healthcare policy and federal spending.
He said he would oppose “dangerous rhetoric” from the Trump administration and criticized actions he described as harming communities.
He also referenced “ICE agents wreaking havoc in our communities, Congress voting to take away people’s healthcare, spending $200 billion on a war when we need to be spending money at home.”
His campaign video, titled “The Ice,” highlights his background in hockey and ties to his local community.
“Hockey, family, and community shaped who I am,” Gulbranson said. “I know what it’s like to worry about putting food on the table or paying the electric bill.”
“I’ve lived the challenges so many families in this district are facing right now,” he added.
“I’m running for Congress to make sure no one is forgotten and to fight for an economy and healthcare system that actually works for us.”
Phill Drobnick, a curling coach and Minnesota native, endorsed Gulbranson and pointed to his economic message.
“Luke knows what it’s like to grow up in a household where every dollar matters,” the Olympic coach said.
“He’s seen firsthand how rising costs and an uneven economy hurt families on the Iron Range. That’s why he’s focused on lowering the cost of essentials and making sure the system works for working people—not just the top 1%,”
Gulbranson’s campaign begins ahead of the district’s Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party endorsement convention, with the candidate indicating he intends to continue his run regardless of the outcome of that process.
In a separate political development, podcaster Joe Rogan voiced support for another reality television figure entering politics.
Rogan said he is backing Spencer Pratt, known for his role on MTV’s “The Hills,” in his bid to become mayor of Los Angeles.
“Listen, man. I’m voting for you. I can’t vote for you, but I’m rooting for you,” Rogan said, noting he no longer resides in California. “I mean, if I lived in Los Angeles, no question whatsoever, I would vote for you.”
Pratt said his decision to run followed a wildfire that destroyed his home, along with damage affecting his family and neighbors.
Spencer Pratt calls out the DSA socialists on the LA City Council for refusing to fix homelessness, even with billions in taxpayer money.@spencerpratt "She's bragging about taking $16 million of our tax money to give 40-50 people $250,000 each for a tiny home.
That is not a… pic.twitter.com/5Q1jVyO7WA
— jay plemons (@jayplemons) April 15, 2026
“To be clear, I never wanted to run for any political office or have anything to do with politicians,” he remarked.
“What happened was after spending a year uncovering how my house and my parents’ house burned down, and my neighbors burned alive and 7,000 houses burned, and then I realized there’s a cover-up going on,” Pratt said.
He said the experience led him to pursue office after concluding that no other candidates were stepping forward to challenge current leadership.
“Nobody is stepping up to run against the mayor who’s responsible for this disaster and so many other disasters,” Pratt noted.
Pratt also described his shift from commentary to direct political involvement.
“I’m making these videos. I’m telling the truth. I got a congressional investigation,” he added.
“I went to Washington. And I met with everyone possible that I could do as just a citizen, and I was like, ‘Okay, well, game on now. I’m going to go into your headquarters and just take your job and then remove all these toxic entities that are destroying our way of life in Los Angeles.’”
He said his campaign is focused on restoring conditions in the city rather than presenting a broader ideological vision.
“I don’t have a new utopia of what LA should be. I want LA back. I want the LA I grew up in,” Pratt continued.
New: Joe Rogan exposes the truth about the LA fires w/ Spencer Pratt:
ROGAN: “Climate Change being blamed for the fires was the stupidest narrative ever. The hundreds of millions of dollars raised went to 200+ NGOs. The actual victims got almost nothing. They stole the money.” pic.twitter.com/xiM0yQQQky
— Joe Rogan Recaps (@JoeRoganRecaps) April 15, 2026
Pratt also outlined plans related to public safety and enforcement.
“We’re going around, and we’re just arresting people and the people that aren’t getting arrested, we’re getting to mandatory medical treatment, and we’re just going to start clearing the streets, clearing the encampments,” he continued.
“Imagine the communities, like how pumped people are going to be in these neighborhoods when I come in, and I’m like, ‘This is done.’”
Watch the full interview here: