Full Breakdown
Trump-Endorsed MyPillow Founder Faces Residency Hurdle in Minnesota Gubernatorial Race
7/18/2026, 8:35:39 PM
Core Event: Lindell’s Bid and Trump’s Backing
MyPillow founder and former “Pillow Man,” Mike Lindell, has entered the August 11 Republican primary for Minnesota governor. The former president, Donald Trump, publicly endorsed Lindell on Truth Social, calling him “one of America’s greatest and most hardworking Patriots.” Lindell, 65, must satisfy a state requirement that gubernatorial candidates be Minnesota residents for at least one year before the November 3 general election.
Background & Context: Residency Rules and the 2024 Field
Lindell was born in Minnesota but spent recent years living in Texas, where he remained a registered voter. A court filing last year listed him as a “Texas citizen.” Minnesota law mandates that candidates be bona-fide state residents; Lindell has told reporters he has “re-established residency” in Minnesota, but voting records show his last Minnesota ballot was cast in 2022.
The incumbent Democratic-Farmer-Labor governor, Tim Walz, is not seeking a third term, opening the race to a crowded GOP slate that includes state House Speaker Lisa Demuth, businessman Kendall Qualls, former nominee Scott Jensen, and state Rep. Peggy Bennett. On the Democratic side, U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar entered the race in January and is the clear front-runner.
Data & Statistics: Polls and Primary Landscape
- A Survey USA/KSTP poll (early May) placed Lindell at 27 % in the Republican primary, ahead of Demuth (22 %) and Qualls (17 %).
- A Star Tribune/KARE 11/Hubbard School poll (June) showed Klobuchar leading Lindell 53 % to 36 % in a hypothetical general-election matchup, with 11 % undecided. The same poll gave Klobuchar 48 % against Demuth (37 %) and Qualls (40 %).
Official Statements & Responses
Trump’s endorsement emphasized Lindell’s “love for Minnesota” and promised he would “make Minnesota great again.” Lindell has accused the Minnesota Republican Party and local media of excluding him from debates, saying they have “shut me out.” He also indicated that, should he win the primary, he will complete the residency filing required by state law.
Criticism & Opposition
Lindell’s campaign is built on a platform that repeatedly questions the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election, a stance widely dismissed as false by election officials. Democratic opponents, led by Klobuchar, have highlighted ongoing investigations into alleged fraud in state-funded childcare programs and have criticized Trump’s use of “racist rhetoric” targeting Minnesota’s Somali community.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Voter registration: Records confirm Lindell remains a Texas voter; Minnesota officials have not yet received a new registration from him.
- Residency claim: Lindell asserts he has re-established Minnesota residency, yet no official documentation confirming compliance with the one-year residency rule has been released.
Verbatim Quotes
- “one of America’s greatest and most hardworking Patriots.” — Donald Trump, former President
- “Mike will be SPECTACULAR!!! He truly loves Minnesota, as do I, and wants to bring it back from oblivion and embarrassment. He can do it!” — Donald Trump, former President
- “will MAKE MINNESOTA GREAT AGAIN” — Donald Trump, former President
- “They’re having a big GOP endorsement where they’re having a debate, and I’m not allowed to come. They’ve shut me out,” — Mike Lindell, MyPillow founder
The outcome of the August 11 primary will determine whether Lindell can resolve the residency question before the November 3 general election, a factor that could shape Minnesota’s political balance in a year marked by national partisan volatility.
