Former President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced his endorsement of MyPillow founder Mike Lindell in the crowded Republican primary for Minnesota governor, delivering a high-profile boost to the candidate best known for his national TV presence and outspoken election denialism.
Endorsement lands weeks before GOP primary
Trump posted his support on Truth Social, calling Lindell “one of America’s greatest and most hard working Patriots” and referring to him as the “Pillow Man.” The endorsement arrives weeks before the Aug. 11 GOP primary, where Lindell faces state House Speaker Lisa Demuth and former health care executive and Army veteran Kendall Qualls.
“(Lindell) truly loves Minnesota, as do I, and wants to bring it back from oblivion and embarrassment. He can do it!”
Lindell has been among the most vocal supporters of Trump since the 2020 election and has repeatedly echoed false claims that the outcome was fraudulent. The endorsement gives Lindell a national imprimatur from the former president as he seeks to convert that profile into votes at the state level.
Primary dynamics and general election stakes
The Republican primary winner will face the presumptive Democratic nominee, U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, in the November general election. Trump has a near-perfect record with GOP primary endorsements this year, increasing the political value of his backing.
Campaign observers note Lindell’s substantial media operation, which can produce a steady stream of content and attention. The endorsement, Lindell told a local outlet, should allow him to concentrate on fundraising and planning for the fall contest rather than securing the primary.
Issues raised in the race
Democrats have highlighted controversies around Lindell, including a report that he has not paid nearly $50,000 in property taxes on a Tonka Bay home. Republicans at the state GOP convention had previously signaled their preference by endorsing another candidate, but Trump’s personal support could reshape the race.
- Trump’s endorsement emphasizes Lindell’s alignment with the former president on “election integrity” themes.
- The Aug. 11 Republican primary will determine who faces Sen. Amy Klobuchar in November.
- Lindell’s existing media reach and national profile are central to his campaign strategy.
Trump has also used his platform to criticize Minnesota’s outgoing Gov. Tim Walz and his administration, focusing on accusations about federal spending and immigration that Walz disputes. The governor’s administration and many Minnesota voters are likely to view the primary outcome through the lens of those broader national and cultural debates.
| Candidate | Party | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mike Lindell | Republican | Endorsed by former President Donald Trump; national profile as MyPillow founder |
| Lisa Demuth | Republican | State House Speaker; won state GOP convention endorsement |
| Kendall Qualls | Republican | Retired health care executive and Army veteran |
| Amy Klobuchar | Democrat | Presumptive Democratic nominee for governor |
The endorsement elevates Minnesota’s gubernatorial contest onto the national stage and crystallizes a test over whether Trump-style endorsements carry weight in state-level primaries here. With less than a month until the GOP primary, Republicans and Democrats alike will be recalculating strategies ahead of the August vote.
