MyPillow’s CEO Mike Lindell has made headlines by announcing his candidacy for governor of Minnesota in the upcoming election. A prominent supporter of former President Donald Trump, Lindell has previously engaged in spreading unfounded conspiracy theories regarding the 2020 presidential election, which has drawn significant scrutiny.
During a speech on his own platform, Lindell expressed confidence in his capabilities, saying, “Those who know me know I’m up to the task.” His entry into the race comes on the heels of weeks of speculation and preparation, culminating in the filing of his campaign paperwork.
The businessman’s controversial history includes legal challenges stemming from his claims about election integrity; a Colorado jury ruled in June that Lindell had defamed a Dominion Voting Systems employee. Additionally, Dominion and Smartmatic have filed separate defamation lawsuits against him, further amplifying his controversial reputation.
As Minnesota prepares for the Republican nomination, Lindell joins a competitive field that includes notable figures such as state House Speaker Lisa Demuth, attorney Chris Madel, Republican state Rep. Kristin Robbins, and Scott Jensen, who was the GOP nominee in 2022. These candidates are positioning themselves to challenge incumbent Democratic Governor Tim Walz, who is seeking a third term.
In anticipation of Lindell’s campaign launch, Walz’s team has already begun to counter his candidacy. Shortly after Lindell’s intentions became public, Walz’s campaign sent out a fundraising email branding Lindell as a “Trump loyalist and election denier.”
Lindell has been vocal in his criticism of Walz, focusing on recent fraud allegations tied to pandemic welfare programs in Minnesota. He vowed to combat “rampant fraud” under Walz’s leadership and promised to uphold the safety of Minnesota families, underscoring his business experience as a credential that qualifies him to oversee the state’s operations.
Governor Walz, while facing criticism from Trump supporters, has maintained his commitment to ensuring accountability in government, stating that crime will be addressed without bias toward nationality or religion.
Lindell’s entry into the race not only adds a controversial figure to Minnesota’s gubernatorial contest but also ignites discussions about the future direction of the state’s leadership in light of ongoing legal and ethical challenges. As the election approaches, all eyes will be on the dynamic Republican primary and the strategies each candidate employs to sway voters.