Minnesota Republican Condemns His Party In Powerful Video Announcing He's Dropping Out Of Gubernatorial Race

In a post across his social media, one of the Republican frontrunners for governor of Minnesota announced he would be ending his campaign due to the GOP's actions in his state.

In an almost 11-minute video, trial attorney Chris Madel condemned the administration of MAGA Republican President Donald Trump and the Republican National Committee in the wake of what he characterized as retaliatory actions by the Trump administration, Kristi Noem's Department of Homeland Security, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minnesota that resulted in the recent murders of two United States citizens—Renée Good and Alex Pretti.

However, Madel provided legal counsel to Renée Good's killer, Jonathan Ross.

He justified that action by stating:

"I believe the constitutional right to counsel is sacrosanct."

On X, Madel posted:

"I am ending my campaign for Minnesota Governor. I describe why in the below video. Please watch until the end. (It is 10 minutes, 52 seconds.)"

You can see Madel's X post here:

Christina Lorey/Facebook

The former gubernatorial candidate stated:

"I cannot support the national Republicans' stated retribution on the citizens of our state, nor can I count myself a member of a party that would do so."

"United States citizens, particularly those of color, live in fear. United States citizens are carrying papers to prove their citizenship. That's wrong."

"I can't look my daughters in the eye and say I'm running as a Republican when they're pulling over Hispanics and Asians because of the color of the skin... I did not sign up for that."

Christina Lorey/Facebook

@eicathomefinn/Bluesky

Madel added:

"Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota has been an unmitigated disaster."

"National Republicans have made it nearly impossible for a Republican to win a statewide election in Minnesota."

People found the honesty from a member of the GOP refreshing...

Christina Lorey/Facebook

...but many found Madel's motives and ties to Ross dubious at best.

Christina Lorey/Facebook

Christina Lorey/Facebook

Christina Lorey/Facebook

Christina Lorey/Facebook

Christina Lorey/Facebook

Christina Lorey/Facebook

Christina Lorey/Facebook

Madel stated he decided to drop out because:

"I have to look my daughters in the eye and tell them, 'I believe I did what was right.' And I am doing that today."

He added:

"Believe me, if I could reach into my pocket and pull out the necessary many millions of dollars to run as an independent [instead of a Republican], I would. But again, reality guides my decision."