By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/minnesota-gop-candidate-drops-out-of-gubernatorial-race-saying-he-cant-support-retribution-by-republicans Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Minnesota GOP candidate drops out of gubernatorial race, saying he can't support 'retribution' by Republicans Politics Jan 26, 2026 12:16 PM EST Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Chris Madel, a Minneapolis attorney who provided legal support to the ICE agent who shot and killed Renee Good, ended his GOP campaign in a surprise video announcement Monday. Madel called the recent immigration enforcement operation in the Twin Cities an "unmitigated disaster." READ MORE: Republican calls are growing for a deeper investigation into fatal Minneapolis shooting of Alex Pretti "I cannot support the national Republicans' stated retribution on the citizens of our state," Madel said. "Nor can I count myself a member of a party that would do so." Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Enter your email address Subscribe Form error message goes here. Thank you. Please check your inbox to confirm. He was among a large group of candidates seeking to replace Democratic Gov. Tim Walz, who dropped his reelection bid earlier this month. Madel described himself as a "pragmatist," and said national Republicans "have made it nearly impossible for a Republican to win a statewide election in Minnesota." READ MORE: Funding deal begins to unravel as Senate Democrats vow to oppose DHS bill over Alex Pretti shooting in Minnesota "I have read about and I have spoken to help countless United States citizens who have been detained in Minnesota due to the color of their skin," Madel said. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now By — Associated Press Associated Press
Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Chris Madel, a Minneapolis attorney who provided legal support to the ICE agent who shot and killed Renee Good, ended his GOP campaign in a surprise video announcement Monday. Madel called the recent immigration enforcement operation in the Twin Cities an "unmitigated disaster." READ MORE: Republican calls are growing for a deeper investigation into fatal Minneapolis shooting of Alex Pretti "I cannot support the national Republicans' stated retribution on the citizens of our state," Madel said. "Nor can I count myself a member of a party that would do so." Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Enter your email address Subscribe Form error message goes here. Thank you. Please check your inbox to confirm. He was among a large group of candidates seeking to replace Democratic Gov. Tim Walz, who dropped his reelection bid earlier this month. Madel described himself as a "pragmatist," and said national Republicans "have made it nearly impossible for a Republican to win a statewide election in Minnesota." READ MORE: Funding deal begins to unravel as Senate Democrats vow to oppose DHS bill over Alex Pretti shooting in Minnesota "I have read about and I have spoken to help countless United States citizens who have been detained in Minnesota due to the color of their skin," Madel said. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now