Mike Lindell, the founder of MyPillow, is taking steps toward a potential run for governor of Minnesota in the upcoming midterm elections. Recent filings with state officials suggest that Lindell may announce his candidacy soon.
Possible Gubernatorial Bid
Lindell has indicated that he has not fully committed to the gubernatorial race yet. However, he filed the necessary paperwork as a precaution. He is expected to run as a Republican and will discuss his intentions at a press conference scheduled for next week.
Context of His Political Aspirations
The 2022 elections showed that Lindell is interested in entering the political fray amid various controversies. He has faced significant legal issues following the 2020 presidential election. A federal judge recently ruled against him, stating that he defamed the election technology company Smartmatic. Lindell falsely alleged that Smartmatic’s machines were involved in rigging the election, which resulted in Joe Biden’s victory.
He has also made similar unsupported claims against Dominion Voting Systems. As Lindell considers his political future, he has stated that election security will be a central part of his platform. According to Lindell, a recent poll indicated that “securing our elections” ranked as the third most pressing concern among Minnesotans.
Current Political Landscape in Minnesota
The gubernatorial race will not be without competition. Democratic Governor Tim Walz is seeking a third consecutive term. Additionally, the Republican House Speaker has expressed his intention to run, alongside Scott Jensen, who previously challenged Walz in the 2022 elections but was unsuccessful.
MyPillow’s Legal and Financial Challenges
In addition to his political aspirations, Lindell is dealing with significant business challenges. Earlier this year, MyPillow was ordered to pay nearly $780,000 to DHL due to a contract dispute. The company is based in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, and its founder’s legal issues are causing a stir in both the political and business arenas.
Lindell is clearly positioning himself for a major political role in Minnesota. As he prepares for a potential run, his impact on the race may depend on both his legal battles and his business operations.
