A recent Emerson College poll indicates that Mike Lindell, the founder of MyPillow, faces significant challenges in his bid for the Minnesota gubernatorial election. In a hypothetical matchup against U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, Lindell is projected to earn only 31 percent of the vote, with Klobuchar leading at 53 percent. In response to the poll, Lindell dismissed the results as “fake news” in a text to Newsweek.
This election cycle has been altered significantly by the announcement in January from incumbent Governor Tim Walz that he would not pursue a third term. His decision comes amid a multibillion-dollar fraud scandal that has overshadowed the state’s political landscape. Since 2006, Minnesota Republicans have struggled to secure statewide office, making Lindell’s campaign a daunting task.
Lindell’s association with President Donald Trump’s unfounded claims regarding the stolen 2020 election has been a defining characteristic of his public persona. While this has led to various legal and financial hurdles, he maintains that he is resilient and ready to press forward.
The Emerson survey, which involved 1,000 consumers and had a margin of error of three percentage points, not only revealed Klobuchar’s strong lead but also indicated that a majority of Minnesota voters—56 percent—disapprove of Trump’s performance in office, with only 39 percent approval.
Klobuchar, who has served four terms in the Senate and made a presidential run in 2020, entered the gubernatorial race in January. Reflecting on the current state of Minnesota, she emphasized the need for community strength, resilience, and a commitment to resolving issues facing the state.
Minnesota has also drawn national attention due to pressing local issues, including a recent immigration crackdown that has resulted in tragic incidents. Notably, two citizens were killed by federal immigration agents, leading to widespread protests.
The gubernatorial race in Minnesota is further complicated by recent developments within the Republican Party. Attorney Chris Madel announced his withdrawal from the race, citing the difficulty Republicans face in winning statewide elections, a sentiment echoed by fellow candidate Jeff Johnson, who suspended his campaign following a personal tragedy.
The stakes will be high as the election approaches, set for November 3, and with over a dozen Republican contenders now in the race, the political dynamics in Minnesota continue to evolve.