MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell 98% Sure of Minnesota Gubernatorial Bid After Filing Paperwork

MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell has filed paperwork to run for governor of Minnesota, signaling a potential entry into the state's 2026 gubernatorial race. While a formal announcement is pending, Lindell stated he is "98 percent sure" he will pursue the Republican nomination, with a definitive decision expected on December 11. This move positions him to challenge incumbent Democratic Governor Tim Walz, who is seeking a third term and served as the Democratic vice-presidential nominee in 2024.

The filing of a campaign committee, "Mike Lindell for Governor," with the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board on December 3, allows him to begin fundraising. Lindell, a prominent supporter of former President Donald Trump, has previously hinted at a gubernatorial run, telling the Minnesota Star Tribune that "if there was someone to win, it would be me" among the GOP field. His potential candidacy is expected to significantly impact the crowded Republican primary.

Lindell's political profile is largely defined by his staunch support for claims of widespread fraud in the 2020 presidential election. This stance has led to numerous legal challenges, including ongoing defamation lawsuits from voting machine companies Dominion Voting Systems and Smartmatic. He was recently ordered to pay $5 million to a software engineer and faces other financial liabilities, including nearly $778,000 to DHL for unpaid bills.

Democratic reactions to Lindell's potential candidacy have been swift and critical. Izzi Levy, a spokesperson for the Democratic Governors Association, stated, "Mike Lindell is the latest extreme, out-of-touch candidate to jump into what is becoming a more chaotic and dangerous race to the far-right by the day." The Minnesota Republican field already includes several prominent figures, such as Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth and state Rep. Kristin Robbins.