Attorney Chris Madel enters MN governor race
Minnesota attorney Chris Madel announced he is running for governor as a Republican, launching a campaign for the 2026 statewide race. His entry adds to the GOP field seeking to challenge the incumbent, with the outcome directly affecting policies and budgets impacting the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metro.
📌 Key Facts
- Candidate: Chris Madel, attorney
- Office: Governor of Minnesota; Party: Republican
- Statewide election in 2026 with direct impact on Twin Cities residents and services
📊 Relevant Data
In 2023, Black individuals were 176 of the 260 known homicide offenders in Minnesota, while White individuals were 62.
2023 Uniform Crime Report — Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
In 2023, Black residents made up 6.7% of Minnesota's population, while White residents made up 76%.
Minnesota — Data USA
In 2023, the poverty rate for Black Minnesotans was 28.6%, compared to 7.5% for White Minnesotans.
People in Poverty in Minnesota — Minnesota Department of Health
In 2024, 38% of White fourth-grade students in Minnesota were at or above proficient in reading on the NAEP, compared to 17% of Black students.
2024 Reading Snapshot Report for Minnesota Grade 4 — National Center for Education Statistics
The Feeding Our Future fraud scheme in Minnesota involved the theft of approximately $250 million in federal funds, with 70 defendants charged.
Feeding Our Future trial — Sahan Journal
Minnesota has the largest Somali population in the United States, with 64,354 Somalis making up 1.12% of the state's population in 2023.
Somali Population by State 2025 — World Population Review
In 2023, the median household income for Black households in Minnesota was $58,685, compared to $87,692 for White households.
Minnesota Economic Disparities by Race and Origin — Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development