Minnesota Republican Governor nominee?
$123.0K
AUG 12, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleAttorney
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyConservative Republican
LocationMinnesota
BackgroundAttorney
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EducationMacalester College — political science and economics (magna cum laude; Phi Beta Kappa)
Notable personal detailsChris Madel is a Minnesota attorney and founder of MADEL PA, a Minneapolis litigation and investigations boutique he started in 2017. He grew up in Waseca, Minnesota, studied political science and economics at Macalester College, and earned a law degree from the University of Michigan Law School. In 2025 he launched a Republican campaign for governor of Minnesota and ended the campaign in January 2026.
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 is in the news because he has exited the Minnesota Republican gubernatorial primary. His departure was tied to disagreements with the national party’s immigration stance. The latest GOP field is now led by Kristin Robbins and Phillip Parrish after Scott Jensen also withdrew.
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
Endorsements
Endorsers of Chris Madel for Minnesota Republican Governor nominee?
Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis
Elected official
Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis endorsed Chris Madel for governor.
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls
- Fundraising