Madel drops Minnesota governor race after representing ICE agent

Chris Madel, a 59-year-old Minneapolis attorney running his first political campaign, dropped out of Minnesota's 2026 gubernatorial race on Jan. 26. He announced his decision via a video posted on X. Madel is a Republican candidate who entered the race seeking to challenge Democratic Gov. Tim Walz, who dropped his reelection bid on Jan. 5.

Madel's law practice includes representing ICE agent Jonathan Ross after Ross shot Renee Good on Jan. 7, 2026, during an immigration raid in Minneapolis. Good was hospitalized but survived. The shooting drew national attention and sparked protests against Operation Metro Surge, the Trump administration's expanded immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota.

In his withdrawal video, Madel cited 'national Republicans' stated retribution on citizens of our state' as a primary reason for exiting the race. He called Operation Metro Surge 'an unmitigated disaster' and said the operation 'expanded far beyond its stated focus on true public safety threats.' Madel argued that national Republicans 'made it nearly impossible for a Republican to win statewide election in Minnesota.'

Madel's exit came two days after Alex Pretti was shot by federal immigration agents on Jan. 24 outside a Minneapolis church where protesters had gathered to oppose immigration enforcement actions. The second shooting intensified criticism of Operation Metro Surge and created political pressure on Republican candidates to distance themselves from the operation.

Other Republican candidates still in the race include Mike Lindell (MyPillow CEO), state House Minority Leader Lisa Demuth, former state Sen. Scott Jensen, and Kristin Robbins. Madel's departure doesn't significantly alter the Republican field because he was a first-time candidate without established name recognition or campaign infrastructure.

On the Democratic side, Sen. Amy Klobuchar filed initial paperwork for a potential gubernatorial run but hasn't officially launched a campaign or announced her intentions. Klobuchar represents Minnesota in the U.S. Senate and would bring significant name recognition and fundraising ability to a gubernatorial race.

Gov. Tim Walz announced on Jan. 5 that he wouldn't seek reelection in 2026. Walz served as Minnesota's governor since 2019 and was Vice President Kamala Harris's running mate in the 2024 presidential election. His decision opened the race for both parties.

Minnesota hasn't elected a Republican governor since Tim Pawlenty won reelection in 2006. The state has consistently voted for Democratic presidential candidates since 1976, making it challenging for Republicans to win statewide races. Operation Metro Surge's visibility and the shootings create additional obstacles for GOP candidates seeking to appeal to moderate and independent voters who decide Minnesota elections.