MyPillow CEO Announces Governors Bid – He’s Entering the Race

Republican symbol on American flag background.

A pillow salesman just filed paperwork to become Minnesota’s next governor, and this move could reshape the state’s political landscape in ways nobody anticipated.

Quick Take

Mike Lindell, MyPillow CEO and Trump loyalist, filed official campaign paperwork on December 3-4, 2025, signaling a serious gubernatorial bid
Lindell claims he is 98 percent certain he will run and plans to announce his final decision on December 11, 2025
The Republican primary field is crowded with approximately a dozen candidates competing to challenge incumbent Democratic Governor Tim Walz
Lindell’s candidacy centers on election security as a platform issue, reflecting his prominent role in 2020 election fraud claims
Republicans have not held Minnesota’s governorship since 2011, making this race a significant national battleground

The Businessman Enters Politics

Mike Lindell, 64, built a fortune creating bedding products that became household staples. His MyPillow company, headquartered in the Twin Cities area, generated enough wealth to propel him into political circles. What started as a business success story transformed into something far more consequential: a platform for challenging the 2020 presidential election results. Lindell organized his cyber symposium in 2021, offering rewards to anyone who could disprove data he claimed proved election fraud. That event crystallized his identity as a Trump ally willing to invest significant resources into election-related causes.

A Legal Minefield Expands

Lindell’s political journey has been shadowed by mounting legal troubles. In 2024, he was ordered to pay $5 million to fulfill a reward he promised during his cyber symposium. A federal judge ruled that Lindell defamed election technology company Smartmatic by falsely claiming its voting machines helped rig the 2020 election. He faced similar defamation claims from Dominion Voting Systems, resulting in a $0.3 million settlement. Beyond election-related disputes, MyPillow was ordered to pay nearly $780,000 to shipping company DHL over a contract dispute in 2025. These legal entanglements raise questions about whether voters will view him as a credible candidate or a polarizing figure weighted down by litigation.

Minnesota’s Political Landscape Shifts

The 2026 Minnesota gubernatorial race occurs in a state where Republicans have not held the governorship since 2011. Governor Tim Walz seeks to become the first Minnesota governor elected to a third consecutive term since the adoption of four-year terms in 1962. The Republican primary field has exploded with approximately a dozen candidates, including Lisa Demuth, Speaker of the Minnesota House; Scott Jensen, who lost to Walz in 2022; and several other contenders. This crowded field means that Lindell’s name recognition and financial resources could prove decisive, or they could fragment the vote and weaken the Republican nominee.

Trump’s Minnesota Obsession Finds an Outlet

President Donald Trump has maintained an unusual focus on Minnesota, particularly on Governor Walz. Trump has criticized Walz amid investigations into a $300 million alleged fraud tied to public programs, including what federal prosecutors say was the country’s largest COVID-19-related case. Trump has also emphasized immigration enforcement and made controversial comments about Somali residents in the state. Lindell’s potential candidacy offers Trump an allied voice within state government, someone who shares his election security concerns and political worldview. This alignment could energize Trump supporters within the Republican base.

The Election Security Platform

Lindell has signaled that election security will anchor his campaign platform. He stated that polling showed securing elections ranked as the number three concern among Minnesota voters. This focus distinguishes his candidacy from other Republican candidates who may emphasize different issues like taxes, education, or jobs. Whether Minnesota voters view election security as a top priority or as a distraction from other pressing concerns remains uncertain. Polling data from September 2025 showed Walz leading various Republican candidates by 6 to 9 percentage points in hypothetical matchups, suggesting that the Republican nominee faces an uphill battle regardless of identity.

What Happens Next

Lindell plans to announce his final decision on December 11, 2025, from his company’s Minnesota factory. This symbolic location choice underscores his identity as a Minnesota business leader, not merely an outside political operative. If he enters the race, media attention will intensify around his controversial history and legal battles. The Republican primary could become contentious as candidates compete for attention and resources. Ultimately, Minnesota voters will decide whether they view Lindell as a genuine alternative to Walz or as a polarizing figure whose baggage outweighs his political appeal. The answer to that question will reverberate far beyond Minnesota’s borders.