MyPillow founder Mike Lindell announced that he’s seeking the Republican nomination for Minnesota governor in 2026, challenging incumbent Democratic Gov. Tim Walz.
Last week, Mr. Lindell told Minnesota Public Radio that he was “98% sure” he would run, then formally said he’s in on Thursday.
“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,” he said on social media. “I’m still standing and I’ll stand for you.”
The 64-year-old MAGA supporter is jumping into a crowded Republican primary, which includes 2022 gubernatorial nominee Scott Jensen, Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, state Rep. Kristin Robbins, attorney Chris Madel and business owner Kendall Qualls.
After Mr. Lindell met President Trump in 2016, he spoke at dozens of Trump rallies and co-chaired the presidential campaign in Minnesota.
No Republican has won statewide office in Minnesota since 2006, and an endorsement from the president could tip the scales in the GOP primary.
Mr. Lindell quickly gained an endorsement from Royce White, the Republican 2024 U.S. Senate nominee.
Aside from being known as the “MyPillow Guy,” Mr. Lindell has gained national attention from his claims about 2020 election fraud.
He has faced multiple legal issues over the issue.
He repeatedly said technology company Smartmatic rigged the results in favor of former President Joseph R. Biden and faced a $1.3 billion defamation lawsuit by Dominion Voting Systems in 2021.
Mr. Lindell said his stance against electronic voting machines will be part of his campaign. Minnesota uses paper ballots, with electronic tabulators to count them. Mr. Lindell wants them hand-counted.
His campaign website priorities include stopping fraud, fixing “failing school systems,” stopping “exploding property taxes” and wanting to “send illegal immigrants back.”
Mr. Walz, who is running for a third term, campaigned with Kamala Harris last year as her vice presidential running mate.
“We’ve seen what happens when we elect a con man to the highest office in America,” Mr. Walz said in response to Mr. Lindell’s announcement. “We can’t let it happen here in Minnesota.”
