Mike Lindell's Campaign Spending: A Controversial Focus on Self-Promotion

Mike Lindell, the founder of MyPillow, has raised approximately $356,000 in his campaign to become Minnesota's next governor. Notably, over half of this amount—around $187,000—was spent on purchasing his own self-published memoir, "What Are the Odds? From Crack Addict to CEO." This expenditure accounts for 68% of his campaign's total spending, according to 2025 campaign finance records filed in St. Paul. Lindell's campaign reportedly bought between 25,000 to 30,000 copies of the book, which details his personal struggles with addiction and his faith journey. The campaign's second-largest expense was a $26,000 wrap for an RV featuring his slogan, “I’ll stand for you.”

MyPillow founder Mike Lindell spent majority of campaign funds buying his own book

Lindell's campaign spending has drawn scrutiny, particularly as he faces ongoing legal issues with Smartmatic, a voting technology company. A federal court ruled in March 2025 that Lindell had defamed Smartmatic with 51 false claims regarding the 2020 election, leading to a $56,000 sanction against him for failing to pay legal fees. Smartmatic's attorneys argue that Lindell's spending on his book demonstrates his ability to pay the sanctions, which he has contested by claiming financial hardship. They have requested the court to hold him in civil contempt for not complying with the payment order.

MyPillow founder Mike Lindell spent majority of campaign funds buying his own bookLaw & Crime

Experts have noted that using campaign funds to purchase a candidate's own book is not illegal under Minnesota law, but it is considered an unusual practice. Jeff Sigurdson, executive director of the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board, indicated that while campaigns can pay to publish books, Lindell's approach is atypical compared to other candidates in the gubernatorial race. For instance, other candidates have focused their spending on direct mail, media production, and digital consulting rather than self-promotion through book sales.

MyPillow founder Mike Lindell spent majority of campaign funds buying his own book

Despite his high-profile campaign and support from figures like former President Donald Trump, who praised Lindell's dedication, public opinion appears to be less favorable. An Emerson College poll indicated that 52% of Minnesota voters hold an unfavorable view of Lindell, with only 30% expressing support for him in a hypothetical matchup against Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar. This disconnect raises questions about the effectiveness of his campaign strategy, particularly his focus on self-promotion through book sales.

MyPillow founder Mike Lindell spent majority of campaign funds buying his own book

Critics have mocked Lindell's campaign expenditures, with satirical columnist David Tinjum suggesting that Lindell's approach resembles a self-directed con job. The unusual spending patterns have led to concerns about the integrity of his campaign and the motivations behind his financial decisions.

MyPillow founder Mike Lindell spent majority of campaign funds buying his own book

• “This is not an inability to pay. It is a calculated refusal to pay. Only the threat of contempt will move him to comply,” — Smartmatic's attorneys

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• “Lindell managed to do all three during a single shave in his bathroom mirror.” — David Tinjum, satirical columnist

MyPillow founder Mike Lindell spent majority of campaign funds buying his own book

• “Do we like Lindell?” — Former President Donald Trump at a rally

MyPillow founder Mike Lindell spent majority of campaign funds buying his own book

As the Minnesota gubernatorial primary approaches on August 11, the implications of Lindell's campaign spending and legal troubles continue to unfold, shaping the narrative of his candidacy.

MyPillow founder Mike Lindell spent majority of campaign funds buying his own book