MINNEAPOLIS – The owner of MyPillow, Mike Lindell, has formally announced his candidacy for Governor of Minnesota by filing required campaign paperwork this week.
According to official state filings obtained Wednesday, the “Mike Lindell for Governor committee was registered with the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board.” In a statement following the registration, Lindell confirmed he is considering the race but not yet 100% certain. He has previously indicated as much in interviews; most recently suggesting his decision would be made at an upcoming press conference.
Lindell aims to make his announcement on December 11th. “I am going to announce either way on Dec. 11,” Lindell confirmed regarding the timeline, though he later told The Associated Press that a formal announcement is expected soon after the filing – potentially by then or shortly thereafter.
This potential run represents another significant move for Lindell in Minnesota politics. He would join a crowded field of Republican candidates seeking to unseat Democratic Governor Tim Walz ahead of the 2026 election cycle.
Lindell recently stated he has conducted polling on hypothetical matchups against Walz and other Republicans vying for governor. When asked about his prospects within the GOP field, Lindell claimed “If there was someone to win, it would be me.”
Prominent Republican candidates currently in consideration or active in previous cycles include Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, 2022 nominee Scott Jensen, state Rep. Kristin Robbins, businessman Kendall Qualls and attorney Chris Madel.
Lindell has reestablished residency requirements for his gubernatorial bid after living temporarily in Texas. His decision to enter the race comes amidst ongoing questions about his political viability and views on discredited election narratives.
An aide confirmed the filing was done partly as a preparatory step, with Lindell indicating plans for an official announcement regarding his candidacy very soon now.