Chris Madel
Minnesota Republican Governor nominee?
$167.3K
AUG 12, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleAttorney
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyConservative Republican
GenderMale
LocationMinnesota
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BackgroundAttorney
EducationMacalester College — B.A. (Economics & Political Science)
Notable personal detailsChristopher W. "Chris" Madel is a Minneapolis-based attorney and trial lawyer. He launched a campaign for the 2026 Minnesota gubernatorial election as a Republican in December 2025 and ended his bid in January 2026. His legal work has included high-profile investigations and representing law-enforcement-related clients.
SourcesShowHide
Positions
Economy & Taxes
The candidate proposes cutting state income taxes for many households by exempting individuals earning up to $75,000 and couples up to $150,000 from Minnesota state income tax, and supports property-tax reform and other measures to improve affordability. He has criticized Minnesota’s current tax levels as excessively high and said taxes are driving people and businesses away.
Immigration & Border
Opposes the recent expansion of federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota, calling ICE operations unconstitutional and harmful to community trust while supporting targeted removal of serious criminal offenders. Expresses concern about racial profiling, civil-home raids using administrative warrants, and the chilling effect on U.S. citizens. Announced withdrawal from the gubernatorial race citing opposition to national Republican immigration tactics.
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Abortion & Reproductive Rights
The candidate has not posted a clear policy position on abortion on his campaign website. At a January 15, 2026 GOP gubernatorial debate he reportedly declined to commit to vetoing publicly funded abortion, indicating an evasive or noncommittal stance on abortion funding and restrictions.
News
Chris Madel has exited the Minnesota Republican gubernatorial primary. Reports link his departure to disagreements with the national party’s immigration stance. His exit has been cited alongside Scott Jensen’s later withdrawal as reshaping the GOP field.
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls
- Endorsements
- Fundraising