Elliott Engen

Elliott Engen is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives, representing District 36A. A member of the Republican Party, Engen was elected in 2022 and is notable for being the first Generation Z Republican to hold a position in the Minnesota Legislature. His district encompasses parts of the northern Twin Cities metropolitan area, including the cities of Lino Lakes, Circle Pines, White Bear Township, and portions of Anoka and Ramsey Counties.

Early life and career

Elliott Engen was born on October 6, 1998, in Minnesota. He completed his secondary education at White Bear High School, located in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. Following high school, Engen pursued higher education at Hamline University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in legal studies and political science. During his time at Hamline, he became actively involved in campus politics and founded a chapter of the conservative student organization Turning Point USA. This organization is known for its advocacy of free-market principles and limited government, aligning with Engen's political beliefs.

Engen's interest in politics deepened through interactions with established political figures. Notably, he was encouraged to consider a run for office by Iowa state Representative Joe Mitchell during a discussion at a Turning Point USA Student Action Summit. Engen drew inspiration from prominent conservative figures, particularly Charlie Kirk, and adopted a debate style reflective of Kirk's approach. Before entering the political arena, Engen worked for a wildlife conservation organization that focused on preventing invasive species, although he left this position prior to his election to the legislature.

Legislative service

Elliott Engen's political career in the Minnesota House of Representatives began with his election in 2022. He initially ran for office in 2020, challenging the incumbent Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) representative Ami Wazlawik. Despite a close race that ended with a narrow loss of just 100 votes, Engen persisted and successfully won a seat in 2022. His victory came in an open seat that resulted from legislative redistricting and Wazlawik's decision not to seek re-election. Engen's election marked a significant milestone as he became the first member of Generation Z to be elected to the Minnesota Legislature.

In the House, Engen has taken on leadership responsibilities, serving as an assistant minority leader for the House Republican caucus. He is also a member of several key committees, including the Human Services Policy Committee, the Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee, and the Rules and Legislative Administration Committee. His involvement in these committees highlights his engagement with various legislative issues and his role in shaping policy within the state.

In 2025, Engen announced his candidacy for Minnesota State Auditor, a position that is traditionally nonpartisan. His campaign launch was marked by a focus on addressing issues of fraud within the state. However, his bid for auditor was cut short in 2026 due to an ethics controversy stemming from a DWI arrest. Following this incident, Engen opted to withdraw from the auditor race and instead sought re-election to his House seat.

Engen's tenure in the legislature has not been without controversy. In 2026, he and other House Republicans blocked a vote on a series of bills aimed at regulating firearms, which included measures to ban assault rifles and high-capacity magazines. During the legislative debate surrounding these bills, Engen was involved in a heated exchange with Representative Aisha Gomez, which drew public attention and scrutiny.

Policy focus and district

Elliott Engen's policy priorities reflect his Republican affiliation and the concerns of his constituents in District 36A. His campaign platform during the 2022 election emphasized key issues such as public safety, education, and economic concerns. Engen has taken a firm stance against abortion, indicating that it is not a priority for the Republican agenda due to previous state supreme court rulings. He has consistently voted against legislation that seeks to codify abortion rights into state law and has opposed measures aimed at restoring voting rights for felons on parole. Additionally, he has criticized proposals to increase legislators' per diem payments, labeling such actions as self-serving.

In 2023, Engen authored the "Safe Haven In Every Local District (SHIELD) Act," which aims to enhance security measures in schools across Minnesota. This initiative reflects his commitment to addressing safety concerns within educational institutions. Furthermore, during a dispute in 2024 between the City of Minneapolis and rideshare companies Uber and Lyft, Engen expressed concerns that city regulations allowing drivers to collectively bargain would lead to increased ride costs for consumers.

Engen's environmental policy positions have also come under scrutiny. In 2025, he voted against utilizing the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund for efforts to combat invasive species in Minnesota, a decision that sparked debate among environmental advocates. His comments during town hall events indicate a critical view of the state's handling of immigration issues, attributing conflicts between protesters and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to the actions of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

On a personal note, Engen resides in White Bear Township with his wife, Faith. His political career has been marked by both achievements and controversies, reflecting the complexities of contemporary legislative work in Minnesota. As he continues to serve in the Minnesota House of Representatives, Engen remains a significant figure in the state's political landscape, representing the interests of his constituents while navigating the challenges of public service.