Mike Lindell, Pro-Trump Conspiracy Theorist, Seeks to Become Minnesota Governor in 2026

Mike Lindell, the CEO of MyPillow and a well-known right-wing conspiracy theorist, has officially submitted forms to run for governor of Minnesota in 2026. According to the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board, a Mike Lindell for Governor committee was established on Wednesday.

In an interview with the Minnesota Star Tribune, Lindell stated that he has not yet made a final decision about his candidacy and plans to announce his choice next week.

Lindell, widely recognized from MyPillow commercials, is infamous for denying the 2020 presidential election results and backing Donald Trumps attempts to challenge them. He has repeatedly claimed, without evidence, that voting machines switched millions of votes from Trump to Joe Biden, and he funded a cyber symposium to advance these claims. Lindell was also reportedly involved in an alleged scheme to access election systems in Colorado to uncover supposed mass voter fraud.

If Lindell secures the Republican nomination, he would compete against incumbent Governor Tim Walz, who served as the Democratic vice-presidential nominee in 2024 and recently declared he is seeking a third term. Lindell faces stiff competition within the GOP, including the partys 2022 nominee and the current Minnesota House Speaker.

Legal issues continue to shadow Lindell. He is defending against defamation lawsuits from Dominion Voting Systems and Smartmatic, two companies he falsely accused of election manipulation. A federal judge has ruled that Lindell defamed Smartmatic, with damages to be determined by a jury. Lindell denies any wrongdoing related to both the alleged Colorado election breach and the defamation claims. Earlier this year, a federal jury found him liable for defaming a former Dominion executive and ordered him to pay approximately $2.3 million in damages.

Despite ongoing legal battles, Lindell continues to promote false narratives about the 2020 election on social media. His potential candidacy has already drawn criticism from Democrats. Izzi Levy, spokesperson for the Democratic Governors Association, described Lindell as the latest extreme, out-of-touch candidate entering an increasingly chaotic and far-right race, and criticized his business practices.

Analysis: Mike Lindell’s Bid for Governor – What it Means for Minnesota’s Political Landscape

Mike Lindell’s decision to run for governor of Minnesota in 2026 has certainly turned heads. Known for his MyPillow brand and his active role in supporting unproven claims about the 2020 presidential election, Lindell’s candidacy is likely to bring significant attention to the state’s political scene. His establishment of a campaign committee marks the formal entry into the race, though he has not yet made a final announcement about his decision.

As a political figure, Lindell's controversial history is likely to dominate the discourse. His continued promotion of election fraud conspiracies, including those about Dominion Voting Systems and Smartmatic, has led to multiple defamation lawsuits. With legal battles ongoing, his candidacy will undoubtedly be overshadowed by his legal issues. The question remains whether these will hinder his appeal among Republican voters or enhance his standing among those who share his skepticism about the 2020 election results.

Within the GOP, Lindell faces stiff competition. The Republican field is already crowded with other potential candidates, including the 2022 GOP nominee and the current Minnesota House Speaker. Furthermore, his challenge would be formidable against incumbent Governor Tim Walz, who has positioned himself as a strong Democratic contender for a third term. Walz’s profile as a former vice-presidential nominee and his leadership during the pandemic will provide him with a solid base of support.

The dynamics of this race could also be affected by Lindell's legal troubles. A federal judge recently ruled that Lindell defamed Smartmatic, and a jury is set to determine damages. These ongoing legal battles could be a major point of contention in the race. On the other hand, Lindell’s unwavering commitment to his conspiracy theories may resonate with certain segments of the electorate who feel alienated by mainstream political figures.

While Lindell has yet to make an official announcement, the timing of his candidacy and the legal hurdles he faces are critical factors that will shape Minnesota’s gubernatorial race in the years to come. One thing is clear – Lindell’s entry into the race will further inflame the already polarized political environment in Minnesota.

Sources:

• Pro-Trump conspiracy theorist Mike Lindell files to run for Minnesota governor in 2026