Mike Lindell, the founder of MyPillow and a prominent voice in disputing the 2020 US presidential election results, has officially filed paperwork to run for Governor of Minnesota. The 64-year-old businessman aims to challenge the incumbent, Governor Tim Walz, who was the Democratic vice-presidential candidate alongside Kamala Harris in the 2024 election.
From Business Mogul to Political Contender
Lindell first gained national recognition through relentless cable news advertisements for his MyPillow products, which range from bedding to slippers. His foray into politics began after what he described as a 'divine appointment' – a meeting with Donald Trump at Trump Tower in August 2016. This alliance led him to attend the final presidential debate that October and speak at a Trump rally in Minneapolis just before the election.
Following Trump's loss in 2020, Lindell became a leading figure in promoting baseless claims of electoral fraud, specifically targeting Dominion Voting Systems. He alleged the machines were rigged in favour of Joe Biden. However, in May 2022, federal courts dismissed all of Lindell's claims against Dominion.
Mounting Legal and Financial Repercussions
Lindell's assertions have triggered severe legal consequences. Dominion Voting Systems is pursuing a $1.3 billion defamation lawsuit against both Lindell and MyPillow, arguing he knowingly spread falsehoods for financial gain, with evidence linking his claims to product sales. Separately, Lindell was ordered to pay $2.3 million to a former Dominion employee, Eric Coomer, in a related defamation case.
His gubernatorial announcement coincides with heightened scrutiny on Minnesota state affairs. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed an investigation into whether state tax funds were illegally funnelled to the terrorist group al-Shabaab. Bessent blamed the alleged scheme on the 'feckless mismanagement of the Biden Administration and Governor Tim Walz,' prompting a separate probe by the House Oversight Committee.
A Personal History of Addiction and Redemption
Born in Mankato and raised near Minneapolis, Lindell's path has been turbulent. He has openly discussed struggles with a gambling addiction from his teens and a severe cocaine and crack cocaine addiction in his adulthood, which led to financial ruin and divorce. He credits finding sobriety in 2009 to his faith. His non-profit, the Lindell Foundation, initially focused on addiction treatment but has since expanded to support cancer patients and veterans.
Beyond the pillow business, Lindell operates the far-right media outlet LindellTV, launched in 2021. He now joins a crowded field of Republican candidates vying to challenge Governor Walz. The field includes Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, 2022 nominee Scott Jensen, attorney Chris Madel, veteran and executive Kendall Qualls, and State Representative Kristin Robbins.
Lindell is scheduled to formally address his campaign at a press conference next week, setting the stage for a highly contentious race that will intertwine business, media, and the ongoing political divisions stemming from the 2020 election.
