Chris Madel, a Republican attorney, 2026 gubernatorial candidate in Minnesota, and the lawyer of ICE agent Jonathan Ross responsible for the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good, announced that he is ending his campaign, citing opposition to what he called federal “retribution on the citizens of our state” following two recent fatal shootings in Minneapolis linked to federal immigration enforcement.
In a video posted, Madel said: “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 specifically referenced the deaths of ICU nurse Alex Pretti, 37, killed Saturday by a federal agent, and mother-of-three Renee Good, who was killed on January 7.
Chris Madel says he is ending his run for MN Governor after the recent ICE killing, saying: "I cannot support the national Republicans' stated retribution on the citizens of our state…I cannot look my daughters in the eye and say I'm running as a Republican." pic.twitter.com/fKSvMWH8kL
— Amee Vanderpool (@girlsreallyrule) January 26, 2026
Madel emphasized that while he supports ICE’s original goals in Operation Metro Surge—“locating and deporting the worst of the worst from our state”—he argued that the program has expanded far beyond its intended scope. “United States citizens, particularly those of color, live in fear. United States citizens are carrying papers to prove their citizenship. That’s wrong,” he said. He criticized ICE for authorizing raids on homes using civil warrants signed only by border patrol agents, calling it “unconstitutional, and it’s wrong.”
He also recounted pretextual stops targeting minority drivers, noting: “I personally have spoken to several law enforcement officers, some Hispanic and some Asian, who have been pulled over by ICE on pre-textual stops. Driving while Hispanic is not a crime. Either is driving while Asian.”
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.)
— Chris Madel (@CWMadel) January 26, 2026
Thank you,
Chris pic.twitter.com/2nfyAyTzNZ
Madel framed his decision to withdraw as both principled and pragmatic. “At the end of the day, I have to look my daughters in the eye and tell them I believe I did what was right. And I am doing that today,” he said. He added that the political environment in Minnesota made a statewide Republican victory nearly impossible: “The national Republicans have made it nearly impossible for a Republican to win a statewide election in Minnesota. It is a simple fact.”
Throughout the video, Madel stressed his commitment to constitutional protections and the rule of law. He highlighted his work representing Jonathan Ross, the ICE agent involved in the Renee Good case, saying: “As lawyers, we take an oath to uphold the United States and Minnesota State Constitutions. True Americans love justice. Justice requires excellent legal representation.”
Madel also called for respect for local law enforcement officers, particularly in Minneapolis, noting the difficult position they face: “They have to balance following state orders, maintaining safety and relationships in diverse communities, and navigating the fallout from federal actions occurring within their jurisdictions without full coordination or cooperation. They’re stuck between the proverbial rock and a hard place.”
He concluded by thanking supporters and pledging to return all campaign contributions: “I again want to thank all who have supported me. I will never forget your help, your encouragement, and your service. I will also be returning every penny of the money contributed to my campaign. You should not have to pay for my decision to withdraw. Thank you. God bless you, and God bless Minnesota. We certainly need it.”
Madel’s withdrawal removes one of the Republican contenders from a contentious gubernatorial race and underscores the political sensitivity surrounding federal immigration enforcement in Democratic-led cities. His decision highlights ongoing debates over Operation Metro Surge, public safety, civil liberties, and the impact of federal operations on community trust.
