Trump Endorses Mike Lindell for Minnesota Governor Amid Competitive Primary

Mike Lindell, CEO of MyPillow, received endorsement from President Donald Trump in Minnesota’s governor’s race. Trump praised Lindell as a committed patriot, emphasizing his dedication to election integrity. Lindell, a vocal supporter of Trump, is striving for the Republican nomination in the August primary.

The race for Minnesota governor became unpredictable when Governor Tim Walz decided not to seek a third term due to criticism and a serious fraud scandal. The state has also been a focal point for immigration enforcement, with two American citizens fatally shot by immigration officers in Minneapolis earlier this year, thrusting immigration into the spotlight.

In his endorsement, Trump described on Truth Social that Lindell has worked hard for the country and aims to revitalize Minnesota. Newsweek reached out to Lindell’s campaign for comments. Larry Jacobs, a political scientist at the University of Minnesota, indicated that Trump’s endorsement might challenge Republican hopes of winning the governor’s seat, highlighting Lindell’s unpopularity among independents.

Amid the competitive Republican primary, other candidates include Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth and businessman Kendall Qualls. A survey by the Minnesota Private Business Council showed Demuth leading with 34% followed by Qualls at 28% and Lindell at 24%. Another SurveyUSA poll sponsored by KSTP-TV had Lindell leading with 27%, indicating a highly contested primary.

Klobuchar, who might likely be the Democratic nominee, commented on the endorsement, stating Lindell is Trump’s choice while she hopes to be Minnesota’s.

General Election Polling Insights

Polling for the general election suggests Lindell trails behind in potential matchups. A Mason-Dixon Polling & Research Inc. survey had Klobuchar leading Lindell by 17 points. In matchups against Demuth and Qualls, Klobuchar maintains a strong lead, emphasizing her popularity in the state.

David Schultz, a political science professor at Hamline University, noted that Lindell’s association with Trump might secure the Republican nomination but is unlikely to be beneficial in the general election. Klobuchar’s stature as a popular figure makes her a strong contender.

Prediction markets show strong Democratic prospects for holding onto the seat, with a 94% chance according to Kalshi and Polymarket.

Mike Lindell’s Background

Lindell, who founded MyPillow in 2009, became a prominent Trump ally during the 2016 election. He was a chief promoter of unfounded claims of fraud in the 2020 election. Recently, he faced legal challenges, including a defamation lawsuit by the voting technology company, Dominion.

Impact of Immigration Debate

Immigration issues have shifted the dynamic of the governor’s race, heightened by scandal and the Trump administration’s immigration focus on the state. The fatal shootings of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti by immigration officers led to backlash and protests against aggressive enforcement, attracting national attention.

The scandal surrounding the Feeding Our Future nonprofit has been another key issue, involving fraudulent claims for child nutrition programs totaling an alleged $250 million to $1 billion. Republicans argue Walz’s administration failed to prevent fraud, which played a role in his decision not to seek reelection.

Republican Challenges in Minnesota

Republicans face challenges in Minnesota, a traditionally Democratic state in presidential elections since 1972. The last Republican governor was elected in 2006. In recent presidential elections, Minnesota has stayed Democratic, although by narrow margins.

Trump’s approval ratings in Minnesota could affect the 2026 midterm elections. According to Civiqs and Emerson College polls, Trump’s approval is low, pointing to tough challenges for Republicans in upcoming elections.

Contact Newsweek editors: Jason Lemon, Cristina Diciu, and Sam Wilson.