Attorney Chris Madel announced Monday that he will run for governor of Minnesota. One of the most prominent trial attorneys in the state, Madel is seeking the Republican nomination to run against Gov. Tim Walz next year.
“I’m running for Governor to deliver the change Minnesota desperately needs to move our state forward,” Madel said in a press release.
A first-time candidate for office, Madel is seeking the GOP endorsement at the state party’s convention next year. Further, Madel’s campaign is not accepting any money from special interest groups such as unions, lobbyists, or corporate PACS.
“I’m focused on the interests of the people of Minnesota, not special interests,” Madel said. “Minnesota has been bled dry by special interests and fraudsters under Tim Walz’s failed leadership. This needs to end and it will end with me as Governor of Minnesota.”
Announcing his campaign from his offices in Minneapolis, Madel said he has four goals: “attack fraud; safer streets and support cops; stronger schools; more affordable, more efficient government.”
Madel, known for his use of slideshow presentations, gave an extensive presentation at his campaign announcement where he discussed fraud, education, affordability, Tim Walz, and other topics. He also discussed his past donations to Democratic politicians.
Noting that President Ronald Reagan and President Donald Trump had also given money to Democrats, Madel said he has donated to Republicans, including President Trump.
Highlighting his work representing Alpha News, the Center for the American Experiment, former GOP attorney general candidate Jim Schultz, and the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association (MPPOA), Madel said he would like someone to show him another GOP candidate who “has done more to advance conservative causes in Minnesota.”
However, Madel also mentioned that he has represented DFL party officials and Minnesota Public Radio. Discussing his work representing clients from both sides of the aisle, Madel said, “I’m proud of all of this. I’m a lawyer. I represent clients.”
Amid reports of Madel’s candidacy, Republican gubernatorial candidate Kristin Robbins released a statement saying, “Chris has a long history of donating to Democrats, including supporting Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and Tim Walz as recently as 2024.”
Madel successfully represented Alpha News and Trooper Ryan Londregan
Madel has long been recognized as one of the most effective lawyers in Minnesota. In 2024, he successfully represented Minnesota State Trooper Ryan Londregan after the trooper was slapped with three felony charges brought by Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty.
Moriarty’s decision to charge Londregan, and her office’s handling of the case, were roundly criticized by law enforcement groups, elected officials, and many Minnesotans. In the face of those charges, Londregan received the support of Minnesotans from across the state.
In June of 2024, Moriarty ended up dropping all the charges against Londregan.
Speaking in the Alpha News documentary film “Minnesota v. We the People,” Madel said, “It shouldn’t be a debate, or me trying to convince you that cops are good guys — they are. That’s it!”
Discussing Moriarty in the documentary, Madel said, “The best thing that she could honestly do for all of us — just shut up.”
Earlier this year, Madel successfully represented Alpha News, Alpha News reporter Liz Collin, and Dr. JC Chaix after Minneapolis Assistant Police Chief Katie Blackwell filed a defamation lawsuit against them.
Blackwell’s defamation lawsuit was dismissed in April. After dismissal, Madel said it was “a complete vindication for Liz Collin, Dr. Chaix, and Alpha News—and a complete victory for the First Amendment.”
The 2026 Minnesota gubernatorial race
Madel joins a growing field of Republican candidates that includes businessman Patrick Knight, businessman Kendall Qualls, former State Sen. Scott Jensen, State Rep. Kristin Robbins, House Speaker Lisa Demuth, Jeff Johnson, Phillip Parish, and Brad Kohler.
Whoever wins the GOP nomination for governor will face an uphill battle. No Republican has won the governorship since Tim Pawlenty won reelection to the office in 2006 by less than one point. In 2022, Jensen lost to Walz by roughly 8 points.
Walz announced earlier this year that he will seek an unprecedented third consecutive four-year term. Only Rudy Perpich has previously attempted this feat, but he went on to lose the 1990 gubernatorial election to Arne Carlson.
Luke Sprinkel
Luke Sprinkel previously worked as a Legislative Assistant at the Minnesota House of Representatives. He grew up as a Missionary Kid (MK) living in England, Thailand, Tanzania, and the Middle East. Luke graduated from Regent University in 2018.
