Chris Madel
Republican candidate for Governor in Minnesota
Minnesota Republican Governor nominee?
$1.3M
AUG 18, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Live Odds — Minnesota Republican Governor nominee?
Current prediction-market probability for the candidate, updated as market prices change.
0%chance to win
$1.3MAUG 18, 2026Candidate Overview
Key details about the candidate’s background, party, office sought and current campaign.
Current roleAttorney
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyConservative Republican
LocationMinnesota
BackgroundAttorney
Show moreShow less
EducationMacalester College
Notable personal detailsChristopher W. Madel is a Minneapolis-based attorney and former U.S. Department of Justice trial attorney. He has practiced in civil and criminal litigation, including high-profile matters such as representing Minnesota State Patrol Trooper Ryan Londregan. In December 2025, he launched a campaign for the Republican nomination for Governor of Minnesota and ended that campaign in January 2026.
SourcesShowHide
Political 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.
Show moreShow less
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.
Latest News
Chris Madel is in the news because he has exited the Minnesota GOP gubernatorial primary. His departure was tied to disagreements with the national party’s immigration stance. The race has since narrowed further, with Scott Jensen also dropping out and Kristin Robbins and Phillip Parrish now leading the field.
Minnesota GOP gubernatorial primary narrows further after Jensen drops bid
Trump administration halts Minnesota Medicaid funds over fraud allegations
Blue states consider tax on millionaires to help fund vital services
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls
- Endorsements
- Fundraising