GOP Gov Candidate Quits, Can't Support 'retribution' Against Minnesota

Monday, January 26, 2026

His exit comes as some other Republicans have started to distance themselves from the Trump administration's immigration crackdown in the state.

Posted by reinheitsgebot at 06:33 PM | 12 COMMENTS | permalink | Comment on This Entry |

Alternate links: Google News | Twitter

Breaking - GOP candidate for Gov of Minnesota drops out. Says he cant support federal "retribution" against Minnesotans ... @startribune.com www.startribune.com/chris-madel- ...

[image or embed]
-- Jamie Gangel (@jamiegangel.bsky.social) Jan 26, 2026 at 10:41 AM

Comments

Admin's note: Participants in this discussion must follow the site's moderation policy. Profanity will be filtered. Abusive conduct is not allowed.

So. not MAGA?

Hopefully a sign of the times.

#1 | Posted by Corky at 2026-01-26 10:17 AM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

Chris Madel (R) made a stunning exit from the Minnesota governor's race, saying he cannot support the national GOP's "stated retribution on the citizens of our state, nor can I count myself a member of a party that would do so," the Minnesota Star Tribune reports. Said Madel: "United States citizens, particularly those of color, live in fear. United States citizens are carrying papers to prove their citizenship. That's wrong."

What a rino.

~ ------------- ~

#2 | Posted by reinheitsgebot at 2026-01-26 10:18 AM | Reply | Funny: 1 | Newsworthy 1

Sounds like this is the one Republican who should be running in Minnesota. Further proof that the GOP is completely incompatible with American values.

#3 | Posted by qcp at 2026-01-26 10:54 AM | Reply

Sounds like this is the one Republican who should be running in Minnesota. Further proof that the GOP is completely incompatible with American values.

#3 | Posted by qcp

While true, Chris Madel has to be willing to take the risk of death threats, bombs in his car, arsonists targeting his home ect ect.

I wouldn't cross MAGA right now, not with their current predilection to violence and state terror.

#4 | Posted by jpw at 2026-01-26 11:01 AM | Reply

---- MAGA. We need a few less cowards

#5 | Posted by LegallyYourDead at 2026-01-26 11:52 AM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

Pres Trump has become so toxic to Republicans running for office that he opted not to run?

Will other Republicans follow his suit?

#6 | Posted by LampLighter at 2026-01-26 06:20 PM | Reply

I don't like what my party is doing, so I'm dropping out.... there's a way to make change, smh.

#7 | Posted by kwrx25 at 2026-01-26 06:55 PM | Reply

I don't like what my party is doing, so I'm dropping out
#7 | Posted by kwrx25

He's not the only one!

Republican Lawmakers Are Leaving Office Out Of Fear Of The Party's Base, Report Claims: 'I'd Rather My House Not Get Firebombed'

The lawmaker told the outlet he is leaving office but not out of fear of retaliation from Trump, but political violence. "I'd rather my house not get firebombed," the lawmaker said.
The outlet noted that fears are not far-fetched given the wave of political violence that has taken place over the past years. Indiana Republicans have faced "swatting" incidents for not endorsing the redistricting plan.
Another has reported a bomb threat and other forms of harassment, including receiving pizza deliveries they had not ordered to show them their address was not private. Some others have not been made public.
www.latintimes.com

#8 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-01-26 06:57 PM | Reply

there's a way to make change, smh.
#7 | Posted by kwrx25

The change has already taken place.
MAGA shot and killed two Minnesota politicians just a few months ago.
Did you care? No, you laughed.

#9 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-01-26 07:02 PM | Reply

#7 Say you didn't bother reading the article without actually saying you didn't bother reading the article. smh

#10 | Posted by A_Friend at 2026-01-26 07:04 PM | Reply

At the end of the day, Madel said, "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."

The man couldn't look his children in the face and continue to call himself a Republican.

#11 | Posted by qcp at 2026-01-26 07:13 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

The man couldn't look his children in the face and continue to call himself a Republican.
#11 | Posted by qcp

He should have called Eberly for some tips!

#12 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-01-26 09:13 PM | Reply