Full Breakdown
Mike Lindell’s Minnesota Primary Recount Dispute
8/26/2026, 11:30:10 AM
Core Event
Former MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, the Trump-endorsed candidate who finished second in the August 11, 2026 Republican gubernatorial primary, sought to fund a full hand-count recount. The Minnesota Secretary of State’s office offered a contingent plan limiting the recount to ballots cast for Lindell and the winner, Lisa Demuth. Lindell’s campaign refused the $825,000 payment, called the plan a “bait-and-switch,” and filed a lawsuit in the Minnesota Supreme Court seeking a broader recount and a waiver of the payment deadline.
Background & Context
Minnesota law permits a losing candidate to request a discretionary recount at his own expense when the margin exceeds the 0.25 percent threshold for an automatic recount. Lindell, who has repeatedly alleged irregularities in electronic voting, argues that limiting the recount to two candidates violates this statutory definition.
Timeline
- August 11, 2026 – Primary election; Demuth 179,683 votes (?43 %) and Lindell 134,282 votes (?32 %).
- August 18, 2026 – State Canvassing Board approves a contingent recount plan; the Secretary of State’s office provides the plan to Lindell.
- August 19, 2026 – Lindell announces he will privately fund a full recount, citing alleged “irregularities.”
- August 24, 2026 – Deadline for a formal recount request and payment passes; Lindell files a lawsuit and seeks a temporary restraining order.
Data & Statistics
- Recount cost estimate: $825,000 for a statewide hand count.
- Number of Republican candidates: Seven were on the primary ballot.
Official Statements & Responses
The Secretary of State’s office noted that no formal request or payment was received by the August 24 deadline, so no statewide recount is planned. Lindell’s campaign maintains that the proposed scope excludes votes for five other Republican candidates and all Democratic primary ballots, which it argues contravenes Minnesota Statute § 204C.35, subd. 3. The campaign seeks a court order to compel a full recount of every gubernatorial primary ballot.
Verbatim Quote
> “This is a big bait and switch,” — Mike Lindell, MyPillow founder
What’s Next
The Minnesota Supreme Court will consider Lindell’s request for a temporary restraining order and a waiver of the payment deadline. The ruling will determine whether a full recount of all gubernatorial primary ballots will be conducted or whether the state’s limited plan will stand.
