Minnesota Republican drops out of governor's race, citing GOP's handling of immigration enforcement

[douglas9]

Republican Chris Madel announced on Monday that he was ending his run for Minnesota governor, pointing to his party's handling of immigration enforcement in his state as his rationale.

"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," Madel said in a video posted to X.

In the nearly 11-minute video, Madel emphasized that he supports Immigration and Customs Enforcement's "originally stated goals" in their Operation Metro Surge in his state. He argued, though, that the operation "has expanded far beyond its stated focus on true public safety threats."

He pointed to U.S. citizens carrying papers to prove their citizenship and Hispanic and Asian law enforcement officers who he says "have been pulled over by ICE on pretextual stops."

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2026-election/minnesota-governor-candidate-chris-madel-gop-immigration-enforcement-rcna255949

[sarisataka]

1. It is small, but it is a positive step

I’ll take it

Congratulations Mr. Madel on finding your conscience. Keep it and nurture it so it grows.

[Blue Owl]

2. It could be a bigger deal than it seems

If enough Republicans follow Madel's lead, it could be the initial momentum that swings the pendulum away from tRump's insanity, which is so desperately needed at this moment.

I think it's kind of a big deal....