MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell Announces Run For Minnesota Governor

ST. PAUL, MN — MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, a close ally of President Donald Trump, announced Thursday that he is running for governor of Minnesota.

Lindell enters the race while facing more than a billion in damages from court rulings that found his statements about voting-machine companies involved in the 2020 presidential election were defamatory.

In a statement launching his campaign on Thursday, Lindell highlighted his recovery from addiction and the companies he built, saying those experiences shaped his decision to run.

Lindell also referenced the scrutiny he faced after promoting his election claims. “They even took my phone…and I run my businesses on my phone,” he wrote. “It didn’t work. I’m still standing.”

Lindell said he intends to “stand for you as the next Governor of Minnesota,” outlining priorities that include addressing crime, rising property taxes and state fees, education, support for family farms and small businesses, and addiction treatment.

He added that he will oppose fraud that occurred under Gov. Tim Walz.

Lindell’s entrance adds another high-profile name to the 2026 Republican primary.

The field already includes House Speaker Lisa Demuth, former GOP nominee Scott Jensen, attorney Chris Madel, and State Representative Kristin Robbins. Walz, a Democrat and his party’s 2024 vice-presidential nominee, is seeking a third term.

According to the New York Times, Lindell continues to face multiple defamation suits, including a multibillion-dollar case filed by Dominion Voting Systems.

A jury also ruled earlier this year that he must pay damages in a separate defamation case involving a former employee of Dominion. Lindell has said he plans to appeal.

Lindell and MyPillow also face a separate lawsuit from Smartmatic, which is seeking damages in the nine-figure range.