Reality TV Star Announces Run for Congress

Reality TV to Capitol Hill? That’s exactly the leap Luke Gulbranson is trying to make—and he’s not holding back.

The 42-year-old Bravo and Netflix personality shocked fans Wednesday when he dropped a campaign video announcing he’s running for Congress in Minnesota. In the clip, Gulbranson leans into his TV past—but flips it into a warning shot at Washington.

“Yeah, I’ve been on reality TV,” he says. “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.”

Here is #LukeGulbranson’s video announcement for his campaign. #SummerHouse https://t.co/om5Q4y4tni pic.twitter.com/c3yQ8l6ymb

— jay (@JaysRealityBlog) April 15, 2026

The bold move instantly puts him on a collision course with longtime Republican Rep. Pete Stauber, who has held the seat since 2019. The district stretches from the outskirts of Minneapolis all the way to Minnesota’s Iron Range near Lake Superior—a region known for its working-class roots and political unpredictability.

Gulbranson, running on Minnesota’s Democrat-Farmer-Labor ticket, is already sharpening his message. His launch video highlights a tough upbringing while taking direct aim at policies tied to Donald Trump—including aggressive ICE crackdowns and spending tied to the Iran conflict.

“I see what’s happening to our country, and I care way too much to look away,” he says.

And while it might sound like a long shot, it’s not entirely unprecedented. Sean Duffy—another reality TV alum from MTV’s The Real World—successfully made the jump from screen to Congress, representing Wisconsin before joining the cabinet.

Now, Gulbranson is betting voters are ready for another outsider… but this time, one who’s traded beach house drama for political firepower.