Mike Lindell Joins Race for Minnesota Governor
In a move that has added another layer of intrigue to Minnesota’s political landscape, MyPillow founder Mike Lindell has announced his candidacy for the state’s 2026 gubernatorial election. This development sets the stage for a potential showdown with the current Democratic governor, Tim Walz, who is seeking a third term.
Addressing supporters on social media, Lindell, 64, emphasized his commitment to the race, stating, “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.” His announcement was further underscored by a live-streamed speech from his MyPillow factory in Shakopee, Minnesota, via LindellTV.
Lindell’s campaign platform highlights several ambitious goals such as eliminating fraud, addressing illegal immigration, reforming public school systems, curbing rising property taxes, and ensuring election security. His campaign website assertively claims, “Minnesota deserves a governor who will stand against all fraud, and will go after anyone who steals our tax dollars. No one is above the law.” This comes in light of a New York Times report that disclosed a $1 billion fraud scandal in Minnesota’s social services sector.
In a conversation with the Minnesota Star-Tribune, Lindell expressed confidence in leading the crowded Republican race, which includes prominent figures like Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, former gubernatorial nominee Scott Jensen, state Rep. Kristin Robbins, defense attorney Chris Madel, and businessman Kendall Qualls.
The Republican Party has not managed to secure the governor’s office in Minnesota since Tim Pawlenty’s victory in 2006, with the state favoring Democratic presidential candidates consistently since 1976. Lindell’s candidacy could potentially reshape the dynamics for the GOP.
Lindell, who battled and overcame a crack cocaine addiction in the late 1990s, founded MyPillow in 2009. The company grew from his garage into a multi-million dollar enterprise, bolstered by aggressive TV advertising. His personal transformation also includes converting to Christianity in 2017.
Known for his steadfast support of former President Donald Trump, Lindell has encountered significant legal challenges. These stem from his vocal criticism of the 2020 presidential election results and allegations against electronic voting companies Smartmatic and Dominion Voting Systems, both of which have initiated defamation lawsuits against him.
Recently, a Colorado jury ordered Lindell to pay $2.3 million to Eric Coomer, a Dominion employee he accused of election misconduct, although an appeal is likely. Furthermore, a federal judge ruled that Lindell defamed Smartmatic.
Reacting to Lindell’s entry into the gubernatorial race, Governor Walz issued a statement on X, calling Lindell a “fraud” and warning against electing a “con man.” The Walz campaign also criticized Lindell in a fundraising email, portraying him as a “snake oil salesman” involved in legal battles and pushing “Trump extremism.”
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
