Could a pillow magnate be the next Governor of Minnesota? MyPillow CEO and MAGA stalwart Mike Lindell has set his sights on challenging Democrat incumbent Tim Walz in the 2026 gubernatorial race.
At a glance:
- Mike Lindell, founder of MyPillow and Trump supporter, is considering running for Minnesota Governor in 2026
- Lindell claims “nobody wants Tim Walz” and is conducting polling before making a final decision
- The MyPillow CEO previously considered gubernatorial runs in 2018 and 2022 at Trump’s urging
- Lindell has faced legal challenges from voting machine companies for his 2020 election fraud claims
- Governor Walz, a Democrat eligible for a third term, has not announced whether he will run again
MyPillow CEO Eyes Governor’s Mansion
Conservative entrepreneur Mike Lindell has announced he’s exploring a run for Minnesota Governor in 2026, potentially challenging Democratic incumbent Tim Walz. The MyPillow founder and prominent Trump ally revealed his political ambitions on his “Mike Lindell Show,” stating he’s in the process of conducting “due diligence” before making a final decision.
Lindell has become a well-known figure in conservative circles through his vocal support of President Donald Trump and his media platforms FrankSpeech and Lindell TV. This would not be his first consideration of public office, as he previously contemplated gubernatorial runs in both 2018 and 2022, with the latter at Trump’s encouragement.
Challenging Walz’s Leadership
The MyPillow CEO has been vocal about his belief that Minnesotans are dissatisfied with Governor Walz’s leadership. “I live here in Minnesota. Everywhere I go, nobody wants Tim Walz,” Lindell declared, suggesting widespread discontent with the current administration.
I’m looking at every single thing, option and doing my due diligence,” Lindell said when discussing his potential candidacy. The business leader emphasized that he plans to commission multiple polls to gauge his chances before committing to a gubernatorial bid.
Walz, who has served as Minnesota’s Governor since 2019 following a career in the U.S. House of Representatives, has not yet confirmed whether he will seek a third term. Political observers note the Democrat may be considering other political opportunities, including a possible U.S. Senate run in 2026 or even a presidential campaign in 2028.
Political Controversies and Background
Lindell’s political profile has been shaped by his unwavering support for President Trump and his claims about the 2020 election. The businessman produced “Absolute Proof,” a documentary alleging without evidence that a Chinese cyberattack influenced the election outcome, leading to legal challenges from voting machine companies Dominion Voting Systems and Smartmatic.
In 2024, Lindell was ordered to pay $5 million to Robert Zeidman for disproving his election fraud claims, adding financial consequences to his political advocacy. Despite these controversies, the MyPillow CEO maintains a significant following among conservatives who appreciate his outspoken style and business background.
The Minnesota gubernatorial election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, giving Lindell ample time to build his campaign infrastructure should he decide to officially enter the race. Political analysts suggest his candidacy would likely energize conservative voters and bring national attention to Minnesota’s political landscape.
