ST. PAUL, Minn., MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell has entered the 2026 Minnesota governor’s race, joining a crowded Republican field looking to challenge Democratic Gov. Tim Walz. Lindell, a close ally of President Donald Trump, has long promoted baseless claims of widespread 2020 election fraud, a stance that immediately distinguishes him within a primary that already includes House Speaker Lisa Demuth and 2022 nominee Scott Jensen.
Lindell recently reestablished Minnesota residency after living in Texas and told the Star Tribune he plans to focus his campaign on fraud, property taxes, and what he calls “unfair regulations.” While he continues to insist the 2020 election was “stolen,” he said his campaign will not revolve entirely around voting machines, a message aimed at broadening his political appeal beyond his core following.
His candidacy comes as he faces significant legal and financial challenges. This summer he lost a $2.3 million defamation lawsuit over comments involving a former Dominion Voting Systems employee, and he remains entangled in a separate suit filed by Smartmatic. MyPillow has also been sued by DHL and FedEx over unpaid shipping bills. Lindell has incorporated those disputes into his public messaging, framing them as retaliation for his political activism.
Conservative commentator Steve Bannon publicly endorsed Lindell’s bid on a broadcast that streamed on LindellTV, calling him a “fantastic leader” and predicting an unconventional campaign. Republicans will get an early gauge of support during a Saturday straw poll, roughly six months before the party’s endorsing convention.
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