Mike Lindell, the founder of MyPillow and a well-known proponent of election denialism and supporter of former President Trump, is taking significant steps toward potentially running for governor of Minnesota in the 2024 midterm elections. Recent state records indicate that Lindell has filed the necessary paperwork, suggesting that an official announcement regarding his candidacy may soon be forthcoming.
In a conversation with CBS News, Lindell stated that while he is still weighing his decision, he wanted to ensure he was prepared should he choose to formally declare his candidacy. Emphasizing his intentions, Lindell noted he plans to run as a Republican and will provide further clarification at a press conference scheduled for next week.
Lindell’s political aspirations come in the wake of various legal challenges stemming from his claims related to the 2020 presidential election. Earlier this year, a federal court found that Lindell defamed Smartmatic, an election technology company, by making unfounded allegations about its voting machines. Additionally, he faced a substantial verdict in June when a jury awarded $2.3 million to a former Dominion Voting Systems employee after Lindell accused him of treason.
The political landscape in Minnesota poses challenges for Lindell, as Republican candidates have struggled in statewide races. Current Democratic Gov. Tim Walz is seeking a third consecutive term. Notably, other Republican contenders have already announced their bids, including the state House GOP speaker and the candidate who lost to Walz in the 2022 elections.
Earlier this year, Lindell commented on his political strategy, saying that securing elections was one of the top concerns among Minnesota voters based on polling. He expressed optimism about his political future, stating, “We are doing our due-diligence and so far things are looking very good!”
In addition to his political ambitions, Lindell’s business dealings have also faced scrutiny. MyPillow, which operates out of the Twin Cities area, was recently ordered to pay nearly $780,000 to DHL for breaching a contract regarding delivery payments.
As Lindell’s gubernatorial ambitions unfold, they promise to add a new chapter to Minnesota’s political narrative, especially as voters remain focused on election integrity and other pressing concerns.