Avery Severson, a rising voice in Minnesota politics, announced on Monday that she will run for a closely-watched seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2026.
A Republican, Severson is seeking House District 36A which includes Lino Lakes, Circle Pines, North Oaks, Centerville, and nearly all of White Bear Township.
“Minnesota’s best days are ahead, but only if we choose to turn the page away from mediocrity and retire the status quo,” said Severson in a campaign announcement. “I have the experience, energy, and dedication to serve this district.”
The House, currently comprised of 67 Republicans and 67 Democrats, is the only institution preventing total DFL control of state government. District 36A is among a handful of swing seats that will likely decide which party wins a majority in the chamber next year.
In 2022, current GOP State Rep. Elliot Engen won the seat by less than 3 points. Two years later, Engen defeated DFLer Janelle Calhoun by more than 8 points. Engen, who is now running for state auditor, has endorsed Severson for District 36A.
“Avery Severson is a proven fighter for the next generation, a visionary leader in our community, and has what it takes to win,” said Engen. “36A will be in the best of hands with Avery. She has my full and unwavering support and endorsement!”
Severson grew up in nearby Hugo and lives in Circle Pines. As a student at White Bear Lake High School, she started a Turning Point USA chapter in 2021 but was falsely accused of sending racist messages to a black student shortly before the chapter was established.
Authorities ultimately determined the messages were sent by someone else as part of a hoax that resulted in national media attention. Severson said the false accusation was made when she was on the cusp of forming the Turning Point USA chapter.
During her tenure as president of the Turning Point USA chapter, Severson slammed the school district’s COVID-era mask mandate that lasted for upwards of 400 days.
Severson currently works as a Republican legislative assistant in the House. Additionally, she serves as the chair of a local Republican Party unit covering Minnesota Senate District 36. She has previously worked as a school secretary and as a childcare aide.
Most recently, Severson spoke with Alpha News reporter Liz Collin about Turning Point founder Charlie Kirk, his legacy, and her own story. Severson wrote the afterward of Collin’s book “They’re Lying: The Media, the Left, and the Death of George Floyd.”
Luke Sprinkel
Luke Sprinkel previously worked as a Legislative Assistant at the Minnesota House of Representatives. He grew up as a Missionary Kid (MK) living in England, Thailand, Tanzania, and the Middle East. Luke graduated from Regent University in 2018.
