Minnesota Republican state Representative Elliott Engen has ended his campaign for state auditor and instead filed for re-election to his legislative seat in White Bear Lake.

Engen had launched his campaign by promising to expand the state auditor's office, improve accountability, and serve as a financial watchdog for taxpayers.However, his campaign was overshadowed by a drunk-driving incident that occurred in March.According to reports cited in the article, Engen was stopped by law enforcement and arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.

The incident drew additional attention because he was reportedly acting as the designated driver for fellow state Representative Walter Hudson, who was allegedly intoxicated and carrying a firearm at the time.The controversy was amplified by Engen's previous political messaging.

During his campaign, he criticized Minnesota's Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL), writing on social media that the party had been 'drunk at the wheel' when it came to protecting taxpayer funds from fraud.Following his own DWI arrest, critics pointed to the apparent contradiction between his remarks and his personal conduct.

The article also notes that Engen was involved in founding a chapter of the conservative student organization Turning Point USA while attending Hamline University.

Additionally, it places his case within a broader pattern of alcohol-related controversies involving political figures, referencing both a previous DWI-related incident involving Minnesota Democratic candidate Dan Wolgamott and the recent arrest of Arizona conservative commentator Rachel Alexander.

Engen's decision to withdraw from the statewide race marks a significant setback for his political ambitions while allowing him to seek another term in the Minnesota House.