MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell is seriously considering a run for Minnesota governor in 2026, aiming to challenge incumbent Democrat Tim Walz, who is eligible for a third term. Lindell, a vocal Trump supporter and MAGA figure, announced his potential bid on The Mike Lindell Show on Lindell TV, claiming widespread dissatisfaction with Walz. “Everywhere I go, nobody wants Tim Walz,” he said, criticizing the governor’s handling of the 2020 riots and education policies. Lindell, who floated runs in 2018 and 2022, said he’s conducting polls and due diligence, with a decision expected soon.
Lindell’s candidacy faces hurdles. He has been living in Lufkin, Texas, since 2023, requiring him to re-establish Minnesota residency by spending at least 183 days in the state and maintaining a residence for a year before the November 3, 2026, election. His businesses face legal challenges, including a $5 million judgment for debunked 2020 election fraud claims and lawsuits over unpaid bills. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is also investigating Lindell’s nonprofits for potential charity law violations.
Walz, with a 52% approval rating in Minnesota per a 2025 Washington Examiner report, enjoys strong support despite a national 42.5% favorability. Critics like Lindell argue he’s mismanaged the state, while Democrats, led by DFL Chair Richard Carlbom, call Lindell’s potential run a sign of GOP extremism. As no major Republicans have entered the race, the question looms: can Lindell’s name recognition and Trump backing unseat Walz, or will his controversies and residency issues derail his bid?
