Republican Representative Elliott Engen has officially entered the race to become Minnesota’s next State Auditor. Engen, who represents Centerville, Circle Pines, Lino Lakes, North Oaks, and parts of White Bear Township, announced his campaign on Thursday, promising to strengthen the auditor’s office and improve government accountability.
Engen, a second-term lawmaker first elected in 2022, said his main focus would be on tackling fraud and misuse of public funds. His announcement comes as the state continues to grapple with multiple fraud scandals involving government agencies—issues that are likely to dominate the 2026 election season.
The State Auditor’s Office plays a crucial role in tracking about $60 billion in local government spending across Minnesota, ensuring that taxpayer money is used properly. The office also sits on several key state boards, including those that manage pensions and investments. However, it has faced criticism in recent years, especially after reports of large-scale fraud in state programs. Some critics have accused outgoing State Auditor Julie Blaha of not doing enough to prevent the scandals, though she and her supporters have emphasized that her office mainly oversees local, not state, finances.
Blaha, who has held the position since 2019, announced last month that she will not seek reelection in 2026, opening the door for a competitive race. Since her announcement, several candidates have declared their intentions to run, including DFL Representative Dan Wolgamott, former Fergus Falls Mayor Ben Schierer, Braham Mayor Nate George, Tonka Bay Mayor Adam Jennings, and financial manager Zack Filipovich.
Engen’s entry adds to a growing list of contenders, and he has made it clear that restoring public trust in government spending will be at the heart of his campaign. “Accountability starts with transparency,” Engen said in his announcement, adding that he plans to expand the auditor’s role in ensuring every dollar is tracked and reported clearly.
Beyond financial oversight, Engen has recently made headlines for his stance on school security and integrity. Earlier this month, he called for the resignation of the White Bear Lake superintendent after a 22-year-old man was found to have posed as a high school student. Engen later said he plans to introduce legislation to prevent similar cases of school enrollment fraud in the future.
As the race for state auditor takes shape, both parties are expected to focus heavily on government fraud and waste, with Republicans hoping to capitalize on voter frustration over recent scandals. The GOP has not won a statewide office in nearly two decades, and candidates like Engen see this race as an opportunity to show that Republicans can deliver stronger financial oversight.
The 2026 State Auditor election is shaping up to be one of Minnesota’s most closely watched contests, with transparency, efficiency, and accountability expected to dominate the debate. For Engen and the rest of the field, the challenge will be convincing voters that they can protect taxpayer money and rebuild trust in government institutions.
