President Donald Trump has officially endorsed MyPillow founder Mike Lindell in Minnesota’s Republican gubernatorial primary, a move announced via Truth Social on July 15, 2026. This endorsement positions Lindell, a prominent supporter of President Trump, as a leading contender ahead of the August 11 election, despite previous indications from the state's Republican Party and early polling data.
"MIKE LINDELL HAS MY COMPLETE AND TOTAL ENDORSEMENT — HE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN." — President Donald Trump
In his Truth Social post, President Trump lauded Lindell, referring to him as the “Pillow Man.” President Trump stated, “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!” The President further praised Lindell’s commitment to conservative principles and his efforts regarding election integrity, adding, “nobody has sacrificed more than Mike Lindell in fighting for our country, especially when it comes to Election Integrity.” President Trump concluded his endorsement with strong affirmation: “MIKE LINDELL HAS MY COMPLETE AND TOTAL ENDORSEMENT — HE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN.”
The endorsement arrives as Minnesota Republicans are preparing for a competitive primary race to determine who will challenge Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar in the November general election. The winner will seek to fill the office currently held by Governor Tim Walz, who is not pursuing another term. Other notable candidates in the Republican primary include Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth and retired healthcare executive Kendall Qualls. Notably, Demuth received the endorsement of Republican delegates at the party’s convention in May, suggesting a divergence between the party's official preference and President Trump's backing.
Mike Lindell has been a highly visible figure in Republican politics, consistently supporting President Trump since the 2016 presidential campaign. He is widely recognized for promoting claims of widespread fraud in the 2020 presidential election, assertions that have been rejected by numerous courts, election officials, and multiple reviews. No evidence has been established to suggest fraud on a scale that would have altered the election’s outcome. These public statements have led to several legal challenges, including defamation litigation initiated by voting technology companies, and have resulted in several retailers severing business ties with MyPillow. Beyond his political activism, Lindell has openly discussed his past struggle with crack cocaine addiction, stating he achieved sobriety in January 2009 before expanding MyPillow into a nationally recognized brand.
Following President Trump’s endorsement, Lindell expressed considerable optimism about his campaign’s prospects. “My mind is just rolling because I’m so excited,” Lindell reportedly said. “There’s so much hope, and now it’s just … to a whole new level.”
The endorsement prompted reactions from both state party leaders. Minnesota Republican Party Chairman Alex Plechash indicated that party leadership had not anticipated President Trump’s decision. Plechash released a statement emphasizing the need for robust leadership, saying, “These are serious times, and they demand serious, disciplined leadership. Minnesota needs a governor who can unite Republicans, earn the support of independent voters, and defeat Amy Klobuchar.” Conversely, Minnesota Democratic Party Chairman Richard Carlbom criticized the endorsement, describing Lindell as “Minnesota’s election-denying Trump clone” and stating that Democrats are prepared for a competitive general election.
Public polling has also presented challenges for Lindell. A June survey, cited by the Daily Mail, showed a hypothetical general election matchup where Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar led Lindell by 53% to 36%. The same report indicated that Lindell posted the weakest performance among the Republican candidates tested in the poll.
Minnesota voters will cast their ballots in the Republican primary on August 11, determining which candidate will advance to the November general election.
