Mike Lindell — the MyPillow founder turned Trump loyalist — has made it official: he’s preparing to run for Minnesota governor in 2026. On December 3, 2025, Lindell filed paperwork with the state’s Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board, opening the door to fundraising and a full campaign launch. He says he’s “98% sure” he’s running, and all signs point to an announcement coming soon.

For Minnesota politics, this is a moment that changes the tone of the 2026 race. Lindell is more than a businessman with name recognition. He’s one of the most outspoken national figures in the MAGA movement — and his entry into the race brings Trump-style politics directly into Minnesota’s statewide arena.

Lindell’s Identity as a MAGA Republican

Lindell isn’t just aligned with Donald Trump — he’s one of Trump’s most loyal defenders. Over the last several years, he has:

• Promoted Trump’s false claims about the 2020 election
• Funded and organized efforts challenging voting machines
• Built a media platform to amplify pro-Trump voices
• Campaigned nationwide for Trump-endorsed candidates

For many Republicans in Minnesota, this makes him a hero. For others, it makes him the most polarizing figure the party could choose.

His critics — including Minnesota Democrats and voting-rights groups — argue that his candidacy represents “the most extreme version of MAGA politics,” warning he would bring conspiracy theories and chaos to the state’s leadership.

Why His Candidacy Matters

Lindell immediately shakes up what was expected to be a crowded but conventional Republican primary. His national profile means:

• He can raise money quickly
• He can dominate media attention
• He can rally the most energized part of the GOP base

But he also comes with heavy political baggage. Minnesota hasn’t elected a Republican governor since 2002, and Lindell’s controversial brand may energize Democrats and moderates who see him as too extreme for the state.

If he wins the GOP nomination, he is expected to challenge Democratic Governor Tim Walz, who is reportedly running for a third term.

What Supporters Say

Fans of Lindell see him as:

• A political outsider ready to “shake up” St. Paul
• A fighter for Trump-era policies
• An advocate for “getting tough” on welfare fraud, immigration, and government oversight

For MAGA-aligned Republicans, Lindell represents a chance to bring populist politics to Minnesota’s highest office.

What Critics Say

Opponents argue that a Lindell governorship would:

• Undermine trust in elections
• Bring conspiracy theories into state government
• Threaten reproductive rights and social programs
• Push far-right policies out of step with Minnesota’s values

Some political analysts even suggest Democrats would prefer Lindell as the Republican nominee — believing he’d be easier to defeat in a statewide election.

What Comes Next

As Lindell prepares for a full campaign launch, one thing is already clear: his entrance has transformed the 2026 Minnesota governor’s race. Whether he becomes the GOP nominee or not, the debates and political dynamics of the race will now be viewed through the lens of MAGA-era politics.

Minnesota’s next governor’s race will not be quiet, predictable, or ordinary — not with Mike Lindell in the spotlight.