Lawyer Chris Madel quit the Republican race for Minnesota governor on Monday. He denounced a federal immigration crackdown he called a “campaign of retribution” against the state, following deadly clashes between officers and citizens.
His exit highlights rising tensions within the Republican Party over immigration enforcement. The issue is splitting the party just months before critical November midterm elections.
Why Did the Republican Candidate Quit?
Chris Madel posted a video online to announce his decision. He directly criticized national Republican leaders. “I cannot support the national Republican stated retribution on the citizens of our state,” Madel said. He added that their actions made it “nearly impossible for a Republican to win a statewide election in Minnesota.”
His withdrawal follows the shooting deaths of two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, during clashes related to the immigration operation. Both were 37 years old. Madel, who once defended a state trooper in a fatal shooting, said the current ICE surge could not be justified.
What is the ICE Operation Causing Tension?
The focus is on “Operation Metro Surge,” an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) surge in Minneapolis. Madel said he supports deporting serious criminals, or “the worst of the worst.” But he argued the operation has “expanded far beyond its stated focus.”
The crackdown has led to repeated public clashes. It has also put Minnesota’s Republican politicians in a difficult position. They must balance supporting a key national party priority with responding to angry local voters.
How Does This Change the Governor’s Race?
Madel was a top-tier candidate, often finishing in the top three in early party polls. His departure leaves more than ten others in the Republican primary set for August 11. Key figures still running include House Speaker Lisa Demuth and former state Senator Scott Jensen.
The Republican winner will likely face Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar in November. She is considered the favorite. The race opened after current Governor Tim Walz dropped his re-election bid amid a scandal.
What Does This Mean for the Republican Party?
This is more than a local race. It shows a clear split within the GOP on a major national issue. President Donald Trump has been a fierce critic of Governor Walz. Yet, on Monday, Trump said he was “on a similar wavelength” with Walz, who has called for ICE to pull back from Minnesota.
The party is struggling to find a unified message. With control of Congress also on the line in November, internal fights over issues like immigration could weaken the Republican campaign nationally.
