Former Summer House Star Luke Gulbranson Announces Congressional Run in Minnesota
In a deeply personal and emotional video announcement, former Summer House star Luke Gulbranson has declared his candidacy for the United States Congress, representing Minnesota's 8th Congressional District. The 42-year-old actor and reality television personality, who gained fame on the hit Bravo series from 2020 to 2022, is running as a Democrat to challenge the seat currently held by Republican Representative Pete Stauber.
From Reality TV to Real Politics
Gulbranson directly addressed his television background in his campaign launch, stating: "Yeah, I've been on reality TV. That's drama for show. What's happening in D.C. is real drama with real consequences." He expressed frustration with the current political climate, adding: "I wake up every morning and there's this dangerous rhetoric and this madness coming out of D.C. And I can't stand it."
The Minnesota native, who was born and raised in the state, shared poignant details about his challenging upbringing. "I didn't grow up with much," Gulbranson revealed. "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 I couldn't see a doctor."
Hockey, Heritage, and Political Platform
Describing himself as a hockey coach, businessman, and actor, Gulbranson credited ice hockey with providing sanctuary during his childhood. "I had hockey. I had the woods. I had people here on the Iron Range who taught me how to keep going, who were getting by because of great union jobs," he said, highlighting his connection to Minnesota's working-class communities.
His campaign platform includes several key positions:
- Criticizing Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents for "wreaking havoc to our communities"
- Opposing congressional votes to "take away people's health care"
- Rejecting "spending $200 billion on a war when we need to be spending that money at home, taking care of our own people"
- Protecting lands and preserving good-paying union jobs
- Supporting families living on fixed incomes
"I'm not here to play politics," Gulbranson emphasized. "I'm running to get Congress working for the people again. To fix problems, not cause them."
Television Career and Recent Moves
Beyond his three-season stint on Summer House, Gulbranson also appeared on the Bravo spin-off Winter House and the Netflix series Selling the OC. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he returned to Minnesota to build a home and has maintained relationships with former castmates, including Lindsay Hubbard.
Gulbranson joins a growing trend of reality television personalities entering politics this election cycle. The Hills star Spencer Pratt, also 42, recently announced his independent candidacy for mayor of Los Angeles, despite being a registered Republican who claims "this is not a partisan race."
The Minnesota Star Tribune reports that Gulbranson's campaign will focus heavily on his local roots and personal experiences with economic hardship as he seeks to unseat the incumbent Republican in what promises to be a closely watched congressional race.
