In a stunning development, Republican attorney Chris Madel has abruptly ended his campaign for Minnesota governor, explicitly denouncing his own party’s approach to immigration enforcement in the state as an “unmitigated disaster” and a form of “retribution” he cannot support. His withdrawal, announced via a video statement on Monday, January 26, 2026, sends shockwaves through the GOP primary and highlights deep internal divisions over federal actions in Minnesota following recent high-profile shootings.
Madel, a Minneapolis-based lawyer, framed his decision as a principled stand against what he perceives as overreach by national Republicans. “I cannot support the national Republicans’ stated retribution on the citizens of our state, nor can I count myself a member of a party that would do so,” he declared in the nearly 11-minute video posted to social media. He emphasized that while he supports Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s original goals, the Operation Metro Surge has expanded beyond its intended scope, leading to widespread concerns about racial profiling and civil liberties.
The backdrop to Madel’s exit is the intense controversy surrounding ICE operations in Minnesota, particularly the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by a Border Patrol agent and the earlier killing of Renee Good by an ICE officer. Madel had provided legal assistance to the agent involved in Good’s shooting, but he now argues that the enforcement tactics have alienated communities and undermined trust. He pointed to instances where U.S. citizens, including Hispanic and Asian law enforcement officers, have been subjected to pretextual stops, describing it as “driving while Hispanic.”
Politically, Madel’s departure narrows the field in a crowded Republican primary to replace Democratic Governor Tim Walz, who recently dropped his reelection bid. Madel lamented that national Republicans have made it “nearly impossible” for a GOP candidate to win statewide in Minnesota, citing the party’s hardline stance on immigration. Several other contenders remain, including potential candidates like Senator Amy Klobuchar on the Democratic side, though she has not formally entered the race.
The fallout extends beyond the gubernatorial race, with growing calls from within the Republican Party for thorough investigations into Pretti’s shooting. Senators Pete Ricketts of Nebraska and Dave McCormick of Pennsylvania have publicly demanded transparency and accountability, while Representative Max Miller of Ohio has raised questions about federal use of force. This internal criticism underscores the broader national debate over immigration enforcement and its political costs.
Madel described himself as a “pragmatist” who entered the race to offer a moderate alternative, but he found himself at odds with party leadership over the immigration crackdown. His legal background and involvement in the ICE cases provided him with firsthand insight, which he used to critique the operations as counterproductive and unjust. By stepping down, he aims to draw attention to what he sees as a misguided strategy that could harm Republican prospects in the state.
Reactions to Madel’s announcement have been mixed, with some praising his courage and others viewing it as a setback for the GOP. The incident has sparked discussions about the balance between security and civil rights, and whether the party can recalibrate its approach to appeal to a broader electorate in Minnesota. As the election season heats up, this episode may influence how candidates address immigration and party loyalty.
Looking ahead, Madel’s exit could prompt other Republicans to reassess their positions or lead to a more contentious primary. The ongoing investigations into the shootings and the federal response will likely keep immigration at the forefront of the political discourse in Minnesota. Ultimately, this event highlights the fragile nature of party unity and the challenges of navigating divisive issues in a polarized climate.
