MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell has officially launched his campaign for governor of Minnesota.
In a video announcement, Lindell stated: “Let’s bring common sense back to Minnesota.” He added that he would stand for “you as the next governor of the state,” emphasizing his commitment to addressing issues he described as threats to residents: “I will stand for you against the rampant fraud under Governor Walz. I will stand with you against crime that threatens the safety of you and your family.” Lindell further declared, “I will stand for you against government-sponsored theft of your livelihood.”
Lindell, who has been a leading proponent of unfounded claims that voting machines created widespread fraud in the 2020 election, filed a candidate campaign committee with the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board.
Incumbent Democratic Governor Tim Walz, who announced plans to seek re-election for a third term, faces recent scrutiny over alleged state financial mismanagement and challenges returning to leadership after serving as a running mate on a losing presidential ticket. During a press conference last week, Walz addressed fraud allegations in Minnesota, stating investigations are underway and audits are being conducted.
Lindell joins a crowded field of Republican candidates for governor, including Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, 2022 nominee Scott Jensen, state Representative Kristin Robbins, businessman Kendall Qualls, and attorney Chris Madel.
“In a statement Thursday, Lindell criticized Walz over a fraud scandal reported by federal prosecutors, which alleges dozens of individuals in Minnesota stole hundreds of millions of dollars from pandemic-era welfare programs.”
Walz’s campaign began targeting Lindell shortly before his official launch. Hours after news broke that Lindell filed his campaign paperwork, Walz launched an email fundraising campaign featuring a message with former Vice President Kamala Harris, stating: “Trump loyalist and election denier Mike Lindell just jumped into the race against me for Governor of Minnesota.”
