I am ending my campaign for Minnesota Governor. I describe why in the below video. Please watch until the end. (It is 10 minutes, 52 seconds.)
Thank you,
Chris pic.twitter.com/2nfyAyTzNZ— Chris Madel (@CWMadel) January 26, 2026
MINNESOTA – Attorney and Republican candidate for Minnesota governor Chris Madel drops out of the race citing Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Operation Metro Surge.
In a video posted on X, he said he supported federal law enforcement’s original goal of deporting the worst-of-the-worst criminals who aren’t American citizens. Madel said the operation has moved far beyond that focus leading to United States citizens, especially those of color, living in fear.
“United States citizens are carrying papers to prove their citizenship. That’s wrong. ICE has authorized its agents to raid homes using a civil warrant that need only be signed by a Border Patrol agent. That’s unconstitutional and it’s wrong,” Madel explained.
Madel said he’s spoken to local law enforcement officers who say they have been detained because of their skin and pulled over during what he calls pretextual stops.
“Driving while Hispanic is not a crime. Neither is driving while Asian,” Madel said.
Madel said national Republicans have made it nearly impossible to win a statewide election in Minnesota.
“I cannot support the national Republicans’ state retribution on the citizens of our state nor can I count myself a member of a party that would do so,” Madel said.
Madel says he’s helped Jonathan Ross, the ICE agent who shot and killed Renee Good in Minneapolis, fill out a form to get Department of Justice representation if he’s sued or charged with a crime saying he did it saying having the right to counsel is important.
