Trump Policy Fallout: GOP Candidate QUITS Race

SUDDEN GOP WITHDRAWAL

A gubernatorial candidate’s exit exposes the contentious impact of Trump-era immigration policies.

Story Highlights

Chris Madel drops out of Minnesota governor race, citing Trump policies.
Operation Metro Surge was criticized for constitutional violations.
Federal agent shootings increase tensions in Twin Cities.
GOP faces challenges in blue-leaning Minnesota amid Trump influence.

Madel Withdraws Amid Immigration Policy Backlash

Republican Chris Madel has withdrawn from the Minnesota gubernatorial race, citing the Trump administration’s “Operation Metro Surge” as a key reason. This operation, designed to target undocumented migrants, has reportedly extended beyond its original scope, impacting U.S. citizens and raising concerns about unconstitutional practices.

Madel’s withdrawal highlights a growing rift within the GOP, as Trump’s hardline immigration stance faces scrutiny even from within his party.

Madel said that while he supports the goal of deporting “the worst of the worst” from Minnesota, he thinks the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement operation in the Twin Cities has gone too far. https://t.co/wY7tuFqE2U

— KFGO (@790KFGO) January 26, 2026

Madel’s criticism of the operation comes in the wake of several controversial incidents, including the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse, by federal agents. These events have sparked significant backlash in Minnesota, a state already on edge due to its diverse demographics and history of federal-state tensions. Madel’s exit underscores the difficulties faced by Republicans in blue-leaning states when aligning with national GOP policies.

Operation Metro Surge Under Fire

Operation Metro Surge was initially launched to address high-risk undocumented migrants but has expanded to include a large presence of federal agents in Minnesota’s Twin Cities.

The deployment, involving around 3,000 agents, has been linked to welfare fraud investigations, yet the aggressive enforcement tactics have drawn ire from local communities and politicians. The operation’s perceived overreach has led to accusations of racial profiling and civil liberties violations, complicating the GOP’s position in the state.

With ongoing criticism of the operation, the GOP faces a challenging path in Minnesota. The state’s electorate, particularly in urban areas, remains skeptical of federal interventions perceived as overreaching. As the gubernatorial race continues without Madel, the remaining Republican candidates must navigate these complex dynamics while addressing voters’ concerns.

GOP’s Struggles in Minnesota

Madel’s withdrawal from the race reflects broader challenges for Republicans in Minnesota, a state that has not elected a GOP governor in two decades. The departure of incumbent Governor Tim Walz, prompted by welfare fraud scrutiny, has left the field open, yet the Republican primary remains crowded.

With 11 candidates still vying for the nomination, the GOP must reconcile internal divisions exacerbated by national party policies. Madel’s pragmatic conservatism and focus on civil liberties resonate with some voters, but aligning with Trump’s immigration agenda has proven contentious.

As Democrats like Amy Klobuchar prepare potential bids, the GOP’s path to victory remains fraught with obstacles. The party’s ability to appeal to moderate and independent voters will be crucial, particularly in light of the controversies surrounding federal immigration enforcement.

Madel’s exit may signal the need for a recalibrated approach that balances conservative values with the nuanced realities of Minnesota’s political landscape.