MyPillow founder seeks Republican nomination
Mike Lindell, the founder of MyPillow, has officially declared his intention to run for the Republican nomination for governor of Minnesota in 2026, setting up a challenge against the current Democratic Governor, Tim Walz.
Last week, Lindell expressed to Minnesota Public Radio that he was “98% sure” about his decision. He made his formal announcement on Thursday.
In a social media post, he stated, “After prayerful consideration and hearing from so many of you across our great state, I’ve made the decision to enter the 2026 gubernatorial race. I’m still standing and I’ll stand for you.”
The 64-year-old supporter of former President Donald Trump is entering a crowded Republican primary field that includes notable candidates such as Scott Jensen, who was the GOP nominee in 2022; Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth; state Representative Kristin Robbins; attorney Chris Madel; and business owner Kendall Qualls.
Since meeting Trump in 2016, Lindell has been an active participant at numerous Trump rallies and co-chaired Trump’s campaign efforts in Minnesota.
No Republican has secured statewide office in Minnesota since 2006. An endorsement from Trump could significantly influence the outcome of the GOP primary.
Lindell has already received an endorsement from Royce White, who is running for U.S. Senate as a Republican in 2024. Known widely as the “MyPillow Guy,” he has also attracted national attention due to his claims regarding election fraud during the 2020 presidential election.
Lindell faces several legal issues stemming from these claims. He has alleged that Smartmatic manipulated election results in favor of President Joe Biden and is currently involved in a $1.3 billion defamation lawsuit filed by Dominion Voting Systems.
Lindell’s campaign will focus on his opposition to electronic voting machines. Although Minnesota utilizes paper ballots with electronic tabulators for counting, he advocates for hand-counting all votes. His campaign website outlines priorities such as combating fraud, reforming failing school systems, addressing rising property taxes, and enforcing immigration policies.
Governor Walz is seeking re-election for a third term and previously campaigned alongside Kamala Harris during her vice presidential bid last year. In reaction to Lindell’s announcement, Walz remarked, “We’ve seen what happens when we elect a con man to the highest office in America. We can’t let it happen here in Minnesota.”
