Mike Lindell Announces Potential Run for Minnesota Governor in 2026
Mike Lindell, the founder and CEO of MyPillow, has taken steps to run for governor of Minnesota in 2026, according to a report by the Minnesota Star Tribune.
On Wednesday, Lindell’s campaign committee registered with the state campaign finance authorities. He, who is known to be close to former President Donald Trump, expressed during an interview that he is “not 100% yet” on his decision to run but plans to reveal his final choice at a press conference set for December 11. “We’ll make an announcement on December 11th anyway,” he mentioned.
In his comments to the Star Tribune, Lindell asserted, “If anyone is going to win, it’s going to be me,” referencing the various Republican contenders for the governor’s seat.
Other candidates from the Republican side include Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, former state Senator Scott Jensen, state Representative Kristin Robbins, businessman Kendall Qualls, and attorney Chris Madell, as reported by the Star Tribune.
In a somewhat contrasting note, rumors persist that the incumbent Democratic Governor Tim Walz, who is currently serving his second term, might seek a presidential run in 2028 while also eyeing re-election this September. Lindell had previously alluded to a run for governor, suggesting that “nobody wants” Walz, especially after he lost his bid to be the Democratic vice-presidential candidate in 2024.
Lindell’s history includes a significant legal battle with Dominion Voting Systems, which filed a defamation lawsuit against him for promoting misleading theories regarding their voting machines. He previously lost a $2.3 million defamation suit against a former employee of Dominion, who he falsely accused of involvement in election rigging.
Richard Carlbom, chair of the Minnesota Democratic Party and Farmers-Labor Party, shared feedback about Lindell, suggesting that he epitomizes what the Republican Party represents today: “conspiratorial, extremist, and bizarre.” He added that Lindell resembles “an unreachable salesman trying to turn Minnesota into his next failed business.”
Lindell was unavailable for comment at the time.
