Welcome to another episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky! This week, hosts Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb interview first-time guest Chris Madel, a Minneapolis trial attorney and former Republican candidate for Minnesota governor. In December 2025, Madel entered the GOP gubernatorial primary, campaigning on fighting government fraud, supporting law enforcement, and cutting state government costs.

Madel explains why he entered politics after representing law enforcement officers and seeing major problems, including fraud and leadership failures, and describes how Operation Metro Surge and reports of pretextual traffic stops targeting Hispanic and Asian officers shaped his views. Madel discusses how loyalty demands to President Trump make it difficult to win a Republican endorsement or compete in suburbs, argues the party is broken and needs more reasonable voices, and outlines positions on abortion, guns, and immigration.

Michael and Becky next break down recent polls on Americans’ views of the Iran war, President Trump, the issues, and the upcoming midterms.

* 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

* 01:08 Interview with Chris Madel

* 05:30 Questions about Operation Metro Surge

* 17:27 Rebuilding the GOP and key issues

* 37:22 Guns and Culture Wars

* 38:58 Staying Engaged in Politics

* 41:36 Recap of Madel Interview

* 47:51 Recent Polls on Iran, Trump, and Midterm Elections

* 01:11:30 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will return with a new episode next week!

Get full access to On The Record with Michael Brodkorb at michaelbrodkorb.substack.com/subscribe