Polling Average
30%20%10%0%
25.5%
24.4%
15.8%
12%
Republican
Trump Endorsed
Trump EndorsedMike Lindell
Republican candidate for Governor in Minnesota
RepublicanTrump Endorsed
Trump EndorsedMinnesota Republican Governor nominee?
$1.3M
AUG 18, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Live Odds — Minnesota Republican Governor nominee?
Current prediction-market probability for the candidate, updated as market prices change.
0%chance to win
$1.3MAUG 18, 2026Candidate Overview
Key details about the candidate’s background, party, office sought and current campaign.
Current roleBusinessman
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyTrump-aligned Republican
Age65 years old (Jun 28, 1961)
GenderMale
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LocationMinnesota
BackgroundBusinessman
EducationUniversity of Minnesota (attended; did not graduate)
Notable personal detailsMichael James Lindell is an American businessman and political activist best known as the founder and CEO of MyPillow. He attended the University of Minnesota but did not complete a degree, and previously ran several small businesses before launching MyPillow. He has been a prominent supporter of Donald Trump and has been active in Republican politics, including seeking the Republican nomination for governor of Minnesota in 2026.
SourcesShowHide
en.wikipedia.orgwikidata.orgapnews.commikelindellgov.comt.methedailybeast.comcommons.wikimedia.orgfamousbirthdays.comtvinsider.commypillow.comde.wikipedia.orgcelebritynetworth.comsupremecourt.goves.wikipedia.orgamericanoversight.orgcdn.ballotpedia.orgit.wikipedia.orgfoxnews.commichaeljlindell.commycharisma.comnewsmax.comwarroom.orgtoddhuffshow.comcrooksandliars.commusic.amazon.infight.fudgie.orgdemocraticgovernors.orgheatmap.newswashingtonpost.comcbsnews.comyahoo.comredlakenationnews.comyournews.comwfmd.comstartribune.compbs.orgthehill.commprnews.orgminnesotareformer.comtheguardian.comfox9.comnytimes.comkare11.comnbcnews.comkwqc.comforbes.comnprillinois.orglemonde.frthenationaldesk.comyoutube.comfacebook.compt.wikipedia.orgquery-scholarly.wikidata.orglegislation.ballotpedia.orgdeveloper.ballotpedia.orgcreativecommons.orgupload.wikimedia.orgballotready.orgedworkforce.house.govdonate.ballotpedia.orgdata.ballotpedia.org
Political Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
The candidate supports cutting taxes and fees, opposing higher taxes and ‘‘exploding’’ property taxes, and reducing regulations that he says hurt businesses. He frames government fraud and waste as driving up costs for families and calls for rolling back policies he views as burdensome to entrepreneurs.
Healthcare
The candidate emphasizes addiction treatment and recovery programs (through the Lindell Recovery Network) and pledges to address addiction and public safety as part of his platform, but provides no clear stated position on broader health‑care policy such as the Affordable Care Act, Medicare/Medicaid expansion, or a public option.
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Immigration & Border
The candidate advocates for strict enforcement and removal of unauthorized immigrants and has promoted strong restrictionist views on immigration, including support for deportations and criticism of asylum/immigrant access tied to alleged fraud. Public statements link immigration to fraud in state programs and call for aggressive government transparency and enforcement actions.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
The candidate opposes abortion and has publicly funded and promoted anti-abortion efforts; he has criticized Planned Parenthood and described abortion providers in negative terms. His public activities and statements align with pro-restriction positions on reproductive rights rather than supporting expanded access.
Climate & Energy
Has publicly rejected the mainstream scientific consensus on climate change and has described climate change as a “hoax.”
Public Safety & Guns
The candidate emphasizes addressing public safety by supporting law enforcement and cracking down on crime; his campaign platform lists addiction and public safety programs alongside explicit support for law enforcement. The campaign platform does not provide detailed positions on specific firearms policies (for example, background checks, assault weapons, or red flag laws).
Latest News
AINews Summary
Last updatedAug 13, 2026
Mike Lindell is in the news for his Minnesota Republican governor campaign, and he has now said he is stepping down as MyPillow CEO to focus on it full time. After the primary, he refused to concede defeat, saying vote-count irregularities and outstanding ballots still need to be resolved. His campaign has also drawn attention for Trump’s endorsement, party pushback over residency and support, and a complaint over distributing branded pillows at a parade.
en.wikipedia.org+60
Articles
UNUPI News13 days ago
Mike Lindell refuses to concede loss in Minnesota Republican primary
Neutral
NNPR15 days ago
Mike Lindell touts Trump ties in race for Minnesota governor : NPR
Neutral
F9FOX 921 days ago
Mike Lindell steps down as MyPillow CEO to focus on MN governor's race
Neutral
NNewsweek21 days ago
Mike Lindell Steps Down From MyPillow to Campaign for Governor of Minnesota
Neutral
Latest Polls
Minnesota Republican Governor nominee?
Recent polling results and the candidate's current average in the race.
Mike Lindell currently averages 25.5%, ranking first in this race, 1.1 points ahead of the nearest opponent.
Polling average: 25.5%Position: firstMargin: +1.1 ptsLatest poll: 34.0% (Jul 29 - Aug 4)Polls included: 8
Average recalculated from polls through Jul 29 - Aug 4.
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Endorsements
1Minnesota Republican Governor nominee?
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Fundraising