MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell has officially filed paperwork to run for governor in 2026, setting up what could become one of the most closely watched Republican primaries in the state’s recent history.
State election filings confirm the move, which follows months of hints, rallies, and media appearances where Lindell said he was “doing due diligence” on a possible campaign.
A bid built on law and order
Lindell argues Minnesota has gone “down, down, down” under Democratic Gov. Tim Walz and says his focus will be restoring “law and order,” strengthening public safety, and pushing what he calls “real election integrity.”
He continues to promote eliminating voting machines and maintains the 2020 election was stolen, claims rejected by courts and election officials. Lindell says these positions show he is willing to take on the political establishment even when it draws criticism.
Per MPR News:
In September, a federal judge in Minnesota ruled that Lindell defamed the election technology company Smartmatic with false statements that its voting machines helped rig the 2020 presidential election.
Lindell would make a dozen Republicans trying to unseat Democratic Gov. Tim Walz in 2026. The race to choose a nominee could spill into an August primary if a state convention endorsement doesn’t clear the field in May.
An aide to Lindell said the paperwork was filed in anticipation of a formal announcement soon. Lindell said it would happen as soon as Dec. 11. Lindell said he has reestablished residency in Minnesota after living in Texas for a short time.
Democrats didn’t wait on an announcement formality to take a swipe, saying Lindell would make the race more chaotic and called him a “sleazy businessman” with an extreme agenda.
In a written statement, Democratic Governors Association spokesperson Izzi Levy said the GOP would find his decision to join the race difficult to accept, describing it as “a bitter pill-ow for Minnesota Republicans to swallow.”
Major hurdles ahead
Residency questions. Lindell spent long stretches living in Texas. Minnesota law requires gubernatorial candidates to reside in the state for at least one year before Election Day, and his residency status is expected to face heavy scrutiny.
Ongoing legal trouble. Lindell is dealing with multiple defamation judgments tied to his election fraud allegations. Those cases have raised questions about his finances and could complicate fundraising efforts.
A tough political map. Republicans have not won the Minnesota governor’s office since 2006. Any GOP nominee will be running uphill in a state that has leaned consistently Democratic in statewide races.
What to watch next
The first test will be whether Lindell clears the residency requirement and avoids a legal challenge that could derail his bid.
Republicans are also waiting to see who else joins the primary. Lindell enters with high name recognition and a loyal MAGA base, but his favorability is sharply split. That sets up a race where he could become either a disruptive force or a long-shot protest candidate.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
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If I lived in MN I would vote for him. Get Tampon Tim and Somalis who hate our country out of here and send them back to Somalia.