The GOP candidate who recently dropped out was Chris Madel , who ended his campaign for Minnesota governor on January 26, 2026. He said he was withdrawing over his objections to the party’s handling of immigration enforcement in Minnesota.

What happened

Madel was running for the Republican nomination for governor in Minnesota when he announced his exit in a video statement. Reportedly, he criticized what he called the party’s “retribution” approach and said the situation had become an “unmitigated disaster”.

Why it matters

His departure narrowed the Republican field in Minnesota’s governor race and drew attention because it came from a candidate who had been a notable voice in the state GOP race.

Other possible matches

If you meant a different GOP candidate, there have also been other recent dropouts in Republican races, including Tim Scott in the 2024 presidential primary and Karrin Taylor Robson in Arizona’s governor race.