President Donald Trump endorsed MyPillow founder Mike Lindell for Minnesota governor on Wednesday, backing a longtime ally and prominent promoter of false claims that the 2020 election was stolen.
Trump’s Backing Reshapes Crowded Republican Primary
“Mike will be SPECTACULAR!!! He truly loves Minnesota, as do I, and wants to bring it back from oblivion and embarrassment. He can do it!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. He called Lindell “one of America’s greatest and most hard working Patriots” and the “Pillow Man.”
Lindell thanked Trump, writing, “I truly appreciate your confidence in me,” and, “Let’s Make Minnesota Great Again!”
The endorsement could reshape a crowded Republican contest before Minnesota’s Aug. 11 primary. The secretary of state’s ballot lists Lindell, state House Speaker Lisa Demuth (R) and businessman Kendall Qualls, who holds the Minnesota Republican Party’s endorsement.
Election Claims Bring Legal And Financial Pressure
Lindell built his profile through television pillow advertisements and launched his campaign last year. He has made election administration central to his bid and continues attacking electronic voting systems despite courts and investigations finding no evidence of widespread machine-related fraud.
His claims have also brought legal and financial pressure. A federal judge found that Lindell made false statements about Smartmatic, while a Colorado jury awarded $2.3 million to a former Dominion Voting Systems executive whom Lindell defamed.
Qualls avoided criticizing Trump. “This race won’t be won by national endorsements,” he said. “It will be decided by Minnesota conservatives.” Demuth advanced a supporter’s argument that her experience in state government made her the strongest candidate.
Klobuchar Leads Democrats As Stakes Rise
The Republican nominee will face a Democratic field led by Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.). Gov. Tim Walz (D) ended his bid for a third term earlier this year amid scrutiny of Minnesota’s oversight of federally supported childcare programs.
Klobuchar has promised a “top to bottom audit” of state government to identify “waste, fraud, and abuse,” while distancing herself from Walz.
Trump’s 2026 endorsement record has been mixed. His preferred candidates lost Republican gubernatorial contests in Georgia and Iowa, though several Senate picks prevailed.
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