Madel Quits Minnesota GOP Gubernatorial Race After ICE Shooting Sparks Republican Backlash
Updated (3 articles)
Madel Withdraws Following Pretti Shooting Chris Madel announced via a video on X that he is ending his campaign for governor, calling ICE’s “Operation Metro Surge” an “unmitigated disaster” after federal agents fatally shot ICU nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis [1][2][3]. He emphasized that the killing marked a second protest‑related death in three weeks, following the earlier shooting of Renee Good [1][3]. Madel’s exit leaves the GOP primary open to the remaining contenders [1][2].
ICE Operation Accused of Targeting Citizens Madel argued the operation “expanded far beyond its stated focus,” using civil warrants signed only by border‑patrol agents to raid homes of U.S. citizens, particularly people of color [1][2][3]. He labeled such warrants unconstitutional because they lack judicial approval [2][3]. The criticism aligns with a whistleblower complaint alleging warrantless home entries by DHS [3].
Republican Field Remains While Anti‑ICE Sentiment Grows The GOP primary still includes Mike Lindell, House Speaker Lisa Demuth, Dr. Scott Jensen and Rep. Kristin Robbins [1][2]. An Economist‑YouGov poll shows 19 % of Republicans now favor abolishing ICE, up from 15 % in early January [1]. The shift reflects rising discomfort with federal immigration tactics among the party base [1].
Trump Sends Border Czar Amid Statewide Protests President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that “border czar” Tom Homan will travel to Minnesota to address anti‑ICE protests [1]. Betting platform Kalshi reported the probability that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem will leave the cabinet rose from 14.8 % on Jan. 2 to 37 % on Jan. 26 [1]. The move underscores the federal administration’s response to mounting criticism in the state [1].
State Political Landscape Shifts After Walz Exit Democratic Governor Tim Walz withdrew from his reelection bid on Jan. 5, prompting a scramble among potential candidates [2][3]. Senator Amy Klobuchar filed paperwork for a gubernatorial run but has not formally announced [2]. Minneapolis Police Officers Federation endorsed Madel early in his campaign, and Republican straw polls had him leading before his withdrawal [3].
Sources (3 articles)
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[1]
Newsweek: Chris Madel Ends Minnesota GOP Gubernatorial Campaign Over ICE “Disaster”: details Madel’s video exit, his condemnation of ICE’s expanded raids, the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, and the poll showing rising Republican support for abolishing ICE .
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[2]
AP: Chris Madel Withdraws from Minnesota Gubernatorial Race After Alex Pretti Shooting: emphasizes Madel’s legal background, his critique of civil warrants, and the broader GOP field after Governor Walz’s withdrawal .
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[3]
CNN: Chris Madel Ends Minnesota Gubernatorial Bid, Blasts ICE and National Republicans: highlights Madel’s former defense of ICE agent Jonathan Ross, the video analysis of Pretti’s killing, and the impact on the state’s political dynamics .
Timeline
2006 – No Republican has won a statewide office in Minnesota since 2006, a fact that frames the GOP’s challenges in the 2026 governor’s race. [1]
2024 – Madel defends a Minnesota trooper whose murder charges are dismissed in the Ricky Cobb II case, enhancing his law‑enforcement credentials. [3]
Dec 2025 – Madel launches his Republican gubernatorial campaign, receives early endorsement from the Minneapolis Police Officers Federation, and leads unofficial straw polls. [1]
Jan 5, 2026 – Gov. Tim Walz announces he will not seek reelection, prompting Sen. Amy Klobuchar to file paperwork for a potential gubernatorial bid. [3]
Jan 7, 2026 – ICE agent Jonathan Ross fatally shoots Renee Nicole Good during a raid in Minneapolis, raising scrutiny of ICE’s “Operation Metro Surge.” [1]
Early Jan 2026 – An Economist‑YouGov poll shows Republican support for abolishing ICE climbs to 19 % from 15 % earlier in the month. [2]
Jan 24, 2026 – ICE agent Jonathan Ross fatally shoots Alex Pretti, a 37‑year‑old ICU nurse protesting immigration enforcement; video evidence suggests an officer removes his gun moments before the shooting, fueling calls for investigation. [1][2][3]
Jan 26, 2026 – Chris Madel withdraws from the GOP governor’s race, posting a video on X that condemns “Operation Metro Surge” as an “unmitigated disaster” and denounces ICE raids on U.S. citizens, especially people of color. [1][2][3]
Jan 26, 2026 – President Donald Trump dispatches “border czar” Tom Homan to Minnesota amid anti‑ICE protests; betting platform Kalshi notes the perceived probability that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem will leave the cabinet rises to 37 % from 14.8 % on Jan 2. [2]
2026 (future) – The Republican primary remains contested among Mike Lindell, House Speaker Lisa Demuth, Dr. Scott Jensen, and Rep. Kristin Robbins, while Amy Klobuchar has filed paperwork but not yet launched a formal campaign. [3]
External resources (4 links)
- https://x.com/CWMadel/status/2015783448091283559?s=20 (cited 1 times)
- https://x.com/MadelForGov/status/2001067313441714327 (cited 1 times)
- https://www.madelforgovernor.com/ (cited 1 times)