Mike Lindell, the founder of MyPillow and a prominent supporter of former President Donald Trump, has officially announced his candidacy for the position of governor of Minnesota in the upcoming 2026 election. Lindell aims to secure the Republican nomination to challenge the incumbent Democratic Governor Tim Walz.
In an interview with The Associated Press, Lindell emphasized his commitment to addressing issues such as business support, addiction, homelessness, and allegations of fraud in government programs. He stated, “I’ll leave no town unturned in Minnesota,” as he prepared for a news conference to discuss his campaign further.
Background and Controversies
Lindell, aged 64, established his pillow company in Minnesota in 2009 and gained fame through his infomercials, which became staples of late-night television. His reputation took a hit after he became a leading voice promoting Trump’s unfounded claims regarding the 2020 presidential election. Despite facing various legal and financial challenges stemming from his controversial statements, Lindell is confident in his ability to persevere.
“Not only have I built businesses, you look at problem solution,” Lindell remarked, referencing his resilience amid significant adversity.
His staunch support for Trump has not come without consequences. Major retailers pulled MyPillow products from their shelves, leading to a substantial drop in revenue and a series of lawsuits against his company. Lindell has faced defamation lawsuits related to his claims about voting machines, including a $2.3 million award against him for defaming a former executive of Dominion Voting Systems.
Campaign Strategy and Challenges
As he embarks on his campaign, Lindell aims to focus on issues surrounding electronic voting machines, advocating for hand-counted ballots despite Minnesota’s use of both paper ballots and electronic tabulators. While he hopes to gain the support of Trump, he noted that his campaign will not depend solely on the former president’s endorsement.
Other Republican candidates for the gubernatorial nomination include Lisa Demuth, Minnesota House Speaker; Scott Jensen, a former state senator; and several others. Lindell expressed confidence in his unique life experiences, stating, “These guys haven’t lived what I live.”
Despite his financial struggles, Lindell has received an outpouring of support since filing his candidacy paperwork, with many individuals offering to contribute to his campaign. “I don’t have the money,” he acknowledged, “but I’ve had thousands upon thousands of people text and call, saying from all around the country, ‘Hey, I’ll donate.’”
With the GOP primary approaching, Lindell faces a formidable challenge in securing the nomination against a field of candidates, particularly given that no Republican has won statewide office in Minnesota since 2006. Nevertheless, his determination to disrupt the political landscape reflects Minnesota’s history of embracing unconventional candidates.
