Chris Madel, a Minneapolis attorney and Republican candidate, has ended his bid for governor of Minnesota, announcing his withdrawal from the 2026 race on Monday. Madel said he could not continue his campaign because he disagreed with how national Republican leaders and federal immigration enforcement operations are affecting residents of the state.
Madel entered the governor’s race in December and quickly gained attention within the crowded Republican field with his legal background and vocal stance on public safety and fraud issues. He highlighted concerns about federal immigration operations — known locally as Operation Metro Surge — by saying they had shifted beyond targeting serious criminal threats and were creating fear among everyday citizens.
In a video announcement shared on social media, Madel said he supported the original goals of immigration enforcement focused on public safety. However, according to his statement, the recent expansion of federal actions had made him uncomfortable aligning with the national party’s position. He called some enforcement tactics “unmitigated” and said they were affecting ordinary residents, including U.S. citizens.
Madel’s decision comes as political tensions rise in Minnesota over both state and federal law enforcement activity. He described the Republican Party’s broader stance on these issues as politically damaging in statewide races and cited this dynamic as part of his reason for stepping aside.
The governor’s race in Minnesota continues with several Republican candidates still vying for the nomination. Madel’s departure may reshape discussions around immigration, public safety and party strategy as the election season progresses.
If you would like, I can also provide a timeline of key events in the Minnesota governor’s race and federal enforcement actions that influenced Chris Madel’s campaign exit.
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