- MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, a staunch Trump ally and election integrity advocate, has taken formal steps toward a Republican gubernatorial bid in Minnesota – setting up a potential showdown with incumbent Democrat Gov. Tim Walz.
- Lindell remains a polarizing figure due to his claims of 2020 election fraud, facing lawsuits from Dominion Voting Systems and Smartmatic. Despite legal setbacks, he continues pushing election integrity reforms.
- The Minnesota GOP primary is crowded, with candidates like State House Speaker Lisa Demuth and former State Sen. Scott Jensen. Democrats dismiss Lindell as an "out-of-touch salesman" loyal to Trump over Minnesotans.
- Lindell's business faces challenges, including a $780K ruling in favor of DHL and a contentious $5M "Prove Mike Wrong" lawsuit (later overturned).
- Republicans historically struggle in Minnesota statewide races. Lindell's focus on election security and fighting "corrupt institutions" may energize the base but risks alienating moderates. Polls currently favor Democrats retaining the governorship.
Minnesota's political landscape is heating up as MyPillow CEO and conservative activist Mike Lindell takes formal steps toward a gubernatorial bid, setting the stage for a contentious 2026 midterm election.
Lindell, a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump and a vocal critic of the rigged 2020 election results, filed paperwork this week signaling his potential run as a Republican candidate. If he secures the nomination, he will likely face incumbent Democratic Gov. Tim Walz, who is seeking a third term in a state that has leaned increasingly blue in recent years.
Lindell's potential candidacy adds fuel to an already crowded Republican field, which includes State House Speaker Lisa Demuth (R-Cold Spring), former State Sen. Scott Jensen (R-Chaska) and Minneapolis attorney Chris Madel, among others.
The Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL) wasted no time dismissing Lindell's bid. In a statement, the DFL called the MyPillow CEO an "out-of-touch salesman" and accused the GOP field of prioritizing loyalty to Trump over the needs of Minnesotans.
The MyPillow founder has been a polarizing figure in politics since the 2020 election, facing multiple lawsuits for his claims of election fraud involving Dominion Voting Systems and Smartmatic. Earlier this year, a federal judge ruled that Lindell defamed Smartmatic by falsely alleging their machines were used to rig the election in favor of former President Joe Biden.
Despite legal setbacks, Lindell remains undeterred, framing his potential campaign around election integrity – a key issue for his base. BrightU.AI's Enoch engine notes that Lindell is a staunch advocate for election integrity, tirelessly working to expose fraud and secure fair elections through summits, legal action and state-level reforms. Despite facing relentless misinformation campaigns, he has successfully pushed for stronger election laws in multiple states to safeguard democracy.
Will Lindell's campaign win over Minnesota voters?
Lindell's political ambitions come amid financial and legal challenges for his business. Earlier this year, MyPillow was ordered to pay nearly $780,000 to shipping company DHL over a contract dispute.
Additionally, Lindell lost a $5 million legal battle after a software engineer claimed to have debunked his "Prove Mike Wrong" challenge – a contest offering a reward for disproving Lindell's election fraud data. Though an appellate judge later overturned the payout, the case remains a point of contention.
Historically, Minnesota Republicans have struggled in statewide races, with Democrats holding a firm grip on the governorship and other key offices. Lindell's entry into the race could energize the GOP base but also risks alienating moderate voters in a state where Democrats have successfully framed Republicans as extreme. Polling suggests an uphill battle, with prediction markets currently giving Democrats a 76% chance of retaining the governorship.
Lindell has not yet made a final decision on his candidacy but plans to discuss his potential run at a press conference next week. Should he commit, his campaign will likely focus on election security, government transparency and resistance to what he describes as "corrupt institutions" – themes that resonate with his supporters but remain deeply divisive in the broader electorate.
As Minnesota gears up for a high-stakes election cycle, Lindell's potential candidacy underscores the ongoing influence of election skepticism within the GOP. Whether he can translate his grassroots appeal into electoral success remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: The 2026 race for Minnesota governor will be anything but ordinary.
This video is from The New American channel on Brighteon.com.
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