Attorney Chris Madel, the GOP candidate who announced in December that he’s running for Governor of Minnesota, announced Monday that he’s ending his campaign. As seen below in a nearly 11-minute video, Madel cites the reasons behind his decision.
For one, he said, “I cannot support the national Republican stated retribution on the citizens of our state nor can I count myself a member of a party that would do so.” He added that the Trump administration’s Operation Metro Surge, which he originally supported, “has expanded far beyond its stated purpose on true public safety threats.”
Madel contended that “United States citizens, particularly those of color, live in fear. United States citizens are carrying papers to prove their citizenship. That’s wrong.”
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
Anti-Trumpers including “Republicans Against Trump” responded to Madel: “Thank you for speaking out against the Trump regime’s atrocious, unconstitutional actions.”
On Wednesday, Madel responded to rumors that he is working to advance the political career of Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), a vocal opponent of the Trump administration’s Minneapolis surge, who is expected to run for governor.
Madel reported on X: “Some morons allege I’m working on Klobuchar campaign. Stupid. I’m not. But if @elonmusk or other rich person wants to review my ‘I’m out’ video (at 3.4 million views) and call me about running as an independent, I would take THAT call.”
Some morons allege I’m working on Klobuchar campaign. Stupid. I’m not. But if @elonmusk or other rich person wants to review my “I’m out” video (at 3.4 million views) and call me about running as an independent, I would take THAT call.
— Chris Madel (@CWMadel) January 28, 2026
Note: At the end of his ‘I’m Out’ video, Madel promised to return “every penny” donated to his campaign and said, “You should not have to pay for my decision to withdraw.” Current Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a Democrat, has announced he will not seek reelection.