Who is Mike Lindell and why did he file to run for MN governor? Background, motives, and implications of his 2026 candidacy as of December 4, 2025.
Mike Lindell, the controversial founder of MyPillow and a prominent figure in Donald Trump’s orbit, filed paperwork on December 3, 2025, to run for governor of Minnesota, setting the stage for a high-profile and unlikely Republican primary challenge against incumbent Gov. Tim Walz (D). As of December 4, 2025, Lindell’s decision to enter the race has trended on social media, with #MikeLindellForGovernor becoming a focal point for discussions about his background, motives, and the potential impact on Minnesota politics. Known for his role in spreading election conspiracy theories and his legal battles over defamation, Lindell’s candidacy raises questions about his viability and the state’s political landscape. Here’s a detailed look at who Mike Lindell is, why he’s running, and what his entry means for the 2026 gubernatorial race.
Lindell, 64, is best recognized as the CEO of MyPillow, a bedding company he founded in 2004, which became a household name through aggressive infomercials. However, his political profile soared during and after the 2020 election, where he became a key supporter of Trump’s baseless claims of widespread voter fraud. His efforts to overturn the election results, including financing legal challenges and promoting discredited theories, led to significant backlash, including a $5 million defamation lawsuit loss to a Dominion Voting Systems employee in 2025. Despite these setbacks, Lindell’s loyalty to Trump and his embrace of far-right causes have made him a polarizing figure, both nationally and within Minnesota.
Who is Mike Lindell?
Born on June 28, 1961, in Mankato, Minnesota, Michael James Lindell grew up in Chaska and Carver, where he developed a reputation as a serial entrepreneur. After dropping out of the University of Minnesota, he launched several small businesses, including carpet cleaning and restaurants, before inventing MyPillow in 2004. The product, a pillow filled with interlocking foam pieces, became a commercial success, but Lindell’s personal life was marked by struggles with addiction to cocaine and gambling, which he claims he overcame through faith in 2009.
Politically, Lindell emerged as a Trump ally during the 2016 campaign, meeting the president and becoming an avid supporter. His role escalated after the 2020 election, where he financed efforts to challenge the results, including a recount in Bonner County, Idaho, which found no evidence of fraud. Lindell’s media ventures, including FrankSpeech and Vocl, aimed to create conservative platforms but faced legal and financial hurdles. His company’s Better Business Bureau rating plummeted to an F in 2017 due to consumer complaints, and he lost a $2.3 million defamation case in June 2025, further tarnishing his reputation.
Despite these challenges, Lindell remains a fixture in Trump-world, attending rallies and maintaining a high profile. His decision to run for governor is seen as an extension of his political ambitions, which have included previous considerations for Senate and presidential runs.
Why Did He File to Run for MN Governor?
Lindell’s filing for the gubernatorial race, announced via a video on USA Today, comes at a time when Minnesota’s political landscape is heating up ahead of the 2026 elections. Several factors likely influenced his decision:
– **Trump’s Influence**: Lindell’s candidacy is deeply tied to Trump’s agenda. The president has praised Lindell as a “patriot” and “fighter,” and his entry into the race could be seen as an attempt to carry forward Trump’s policies at the state level, especially in a state where Trump narrowly lost in 2020.
– **Personal Redemption**: After a series of legal and financial setbacks, including the defamation loss and declining MyPillow sales, a gubernatorial run could be a way for Lindell to reclaim relevance and influence. His campaign website frames him as a “businessman, inventor, and patriot” ready to “fix Minnesota.”
– **Crowded Republican Field**: Lindell’s entry adds to a competitive Republican primary, which already includes candidates like state Sen. Karin Housley and former state Rep. Jim Nash. His name recognition, despite controversy, could disrupt the race, appealing to Trump loyalists and far-right voters.
– **State Issues**: Lindell has criticized Walz’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and immigration, particularly the state’s Somali community, which he has targeted with conspiracy theories about tax fraud and ties to al-Shabab. His campaign likely aims to capitalize on these issues, aligning with Trump’s recent rhetoric.
In a video statement, Lindell declared, “I’m running for governor because Minnesota needs a leader who will put America first, just like President Trump.” This messaging underscores his intent to mirror Trump’s approach, focusing on border security, economic revival, and combating what he calls “woke” policies.
Reaction and Implications
The reaction to Lindell’s candidacy has been mixed. Supporters on social media praise his business acumen and loyalty to Trump, with one X user writing, “Mike Lindell is the kind of leader Minnesota needs to drain the swamp.” Critics, however, question his electability and sanity, with another posting, “This is a joke, right? Lindell can’t even run his own company, let alone a state.”
Political analysts are skeptical of his chances. A recent Star Tribune poll shows Walz with a 54% approval rating, and Lindell’s controversial past could alienate moderate voters. However, his entry could split the Republican vote, benefiting Walz in the general election. The DNC has already seized on the announcement, with chair Ken Martin calling it “a desperate move by a desperate man.”
Lindell’s campaign strategy will likely involve leveraging his media presence and Trump’s endorsement, but his legal troubles and public perception remain significant hurdles. The race, set for November 2026, will test whether his brand of politics resonates in a state with a history of competitive elections.
Conclusion: A High-Stakes Gamble
Mike Lindell’s decision to file for the Minnesota gubernatorial race on December 3, 2025, is a bold move that reflects his ongoing quest for political relevance and alignment with Trump’s agenda. As a controversial figure with a history of election conspiracy theories and legal battles, his candidacy raises questions about viability but also underscores the polarized nature of American politics. Whether he can translate his notoriety into votes remains to be seen, but his entry has already shaken up the 2026 race, making it a story to watch.
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