Minneapolis, MN – MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell has officially launched his campaign for the 2026 Minnesota gubernatorial race, seeking the Republican nomination to challenge incumbent Governor Tim Walz. The announcement, made Thursday, follows weeks of speculation and the filing of paperwork last week to join the race.
“After prayerfully considering and listening to many of you across our great state, I have decided to enter the 2026 gubernatorial race,” Lindell said on social media. “I’m still standing and I’ll continue to stand for you.”
What happened: Mike Lindell joins crowded Republican field
Lindell, a well-known ally of former President Donald Trump, is known for his controversial claims regarding the 2020 election, which he has repeatedly said was rigged despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Now he joins a crowded field of GOP contenders competing for the nomination against Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat who is seeking an unprecedented third consecutive term.
Other Republican candidates include state House Republican Speaker Lisa DeMuth, 2022 gubernatorial candidate Dr. Scott Jensen, who lost to Walz in the 2022 midterms, Minnesota Representatives Kristin Robbins, Kendall Qualls and defense attorney Chris Madel.
Who is Mike Lindell?
Lindell is best known for founding MyPillow, the company behind their popular line of pillows, sheets, and other sleep-related products. A staunch supporter of President Trump, Lindell became a controversial figure in the political arena in 2020 after publicly debunking theories about election fraud. He also founded the social media platform Frankspeech, which promoted election-related conspiracy theories.
In addition to his political involvement, Lindell has faced legal challenges, including defamation lawsuits against election technology companies such as Dominion Voting Systems and Smartmatic for his false claims. He has also been involved in business-related legal battles, including a recent ruling that MyPillow owed shipping company DHL hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Campaign Priorities: Targeting Change
Lindell’s campaign website outlines his priorities, including what he describes as widespread fraud in Minnesota under the leadership of Tim Walz. He has also promised to tackle issues such as the “failing school system”, rising property taxes and immigration policy.
“People who know me know I’m up to the task,” Lindell said in a campaign video, citing his business acumen and dedication to fighting fraud. He also reiterated his belief that Walz was either “grossly negligent, incompetent, or complicit” in allowing fraud during the 2020 election.
Public and political reactions: mixed support
There are already mixed reactions to Lindell’s candidacy. While he has strong support from parts of the Republican base, others, including Republican strategist Amy Frederickson, have expressed skepticism about his viability as a candidate to defeat Governor Walz. “I think for him, it’s more about the headlines. I really do. I don’t know anyone saying, ‘You know who we need? Mike Lindell,'” Fredericksen said.
Despite his controversial background, Lindell’s political outsider status is a characteristic that has resonated with some GOP voters, particularly those who have become disillusioned with the political establishment. Minnesota has a history of electing political outsiders, most notably former Governor Jesse Ventura, who won a surprise victory in 1998. However, Republicans have not won a single statewide race in Minnesota in two decades.
What happens next: GOP primary looms
Lindell will first need to secure the Republican Party’s nomination at the GOP endorsement convention next spring. If he does not receive the endorsement, he and other candidates will have the opportunity to compete in the party’s primary election in August.
The race for Minnesota governor is expected to heat up in the coming months, with multiple candidates vying for the Republican nod. If Lindell can consolidate enough support within the GOP, he could become a strong contender against Walz in the general election.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
