Republican Chris Madel launches campaign for Minnesota Governor against DFL incumbent Tim Walz
MINNEAPOLIS, MN (December 1, 2025) – Attorney Chris Madel has announced his campaign for the Republican nomination to challenge DFL incumbent Tim Walz for Governor of Minnesota.
Madel—who grew up in Waseca, Minnesota—is a prominent trial attorney in Minnesota who specializes in high-profile investigations and litigation. Notable clients include Minnesota State Trooper Ryan Londregan, Liz Collin, Alpha News, and the Special Litigation Committee of the Fiesta Bowl.
Madel announced his campaign in a press conference at his law firm’s office, detailing Tim Walz’s failed leadership and previewing Madel’s vision for Minnesota. During the press conference, Madel explained he will focus on fighting crime, supporting law enforcement, making Minnesota more affordable, revitalizing Minnesota’s economy, and ensuring educational excellence.
Madel also detailed the steps he will take to attack fraud in Minnesota, leveraging his decades-long career investigating and attacking fraud in private practice. As an example of why Madel is uniquely capable of combating fraud in Minnesota, the Minnesota media has said Madel “pursues fraud with tenacity of linebacker” and has “earned a growing national profile as the lawyer companies and organizations turn to when they think they’re being ripped off.”
Additionally, Madel announced that his campaign will not accept money from corporate PACs, unions, or lobbyists—renouncing special-interest money and criticizing the culture of cronyism that currently plagues Minnesota politics. “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.”
Madel will seek the Republican endorsement for Governor at next year’s state convention. Over the weeks and months ahead, Madel will travel across the state, meeting with residents to discuss his plan to reverse Minnesota’s decline and present his vision for Minnesota’s future. “I’m running for Governor to deliver the change Minnesota desperately needs to move our state forward,” Madel said.
About Chris Madel:
Chris Madel grew up in Waseca, MN with his parents and three older siblings. Growing up, he worked at the nursing home owned and operated by his father and was an altar boy at Sacred Heart Church in Waseca. After graduating from Waseca High School, Chris attended Macalester College before attending Michigan Law School while working part-time. Other than a brief stint at the Department of Justice in Washington D.C., Chris has practiced law in Minnesota ever since earning his law degree. Over the course of his career, Chris has represented clients in many investigations, lawsuits, and trials (civil and criminal). Notable clients include Minnesota State Trooper Ryan Londregan, journalist Liz Collin, and Alpha News. Chris has won a Minnesota Lawyer “Attorney of the Year” award five times (2011, 2012, 2013, 2023, and 2024). Chris lives in the Hennepin County suburbs with his wife and two daughters.
Follow Chris Madel:
Website: madelforgovernor.com
X: @madelforgov (campaign) @CWMadel (personal)
Facebook: @madelforgov
Instagram: @madelforgov
TikTok: @madelforgov