MyPillow CEO and longtime Trump ally Mike Lindell is considering a run for governor of Minnesota in 2026, setting the stage for what could be a high-profile showdown against Democratic incumbent Tim Walz.
The businessman-turned-political commentator announced on his podcast this week that he is actively exploring a bid, citing a belief that Walz is vulnerable to a strong Republican challenger.
“When I do my due diligence, and we’re going to do polling, we’re gonna get a couple different polls to be taken,” Lindell said on Monday, signaling that he intends to gauge public interest before making a final decision.
Walz, who was reelected in 2022, has maintained a steady approval rating in Minnesota despite facing criticism on the national stage.
A February survey showed 52 percent of voters approving of his job performance compared to 47 percent who disapproved.
That marked a slight improvement from a September poll, which showed him at a nearly even 48-47 percent split after being selected by then-Vice President Kamala Harris as a potential 2028 running mate.
While these numbers suggest he still holds favor with a majority of Minnesotans, they also indicate that a well-funded and widely recognized challenger could pose a threat to his reelection.
Lindell, 63, first gained national attention through the success of his pillow company and later became a staunch advocate for President Donald Trump. His frequent media appearances and claims about the 2020 election propelled him into conservative political circles, where he has remained a vocal figure. However, his political ambitions could face challenges in a state that has leaned Democratic in recent elections.
Trending Politics noted that Minnesota has not elected a Republican governor since Tim Pawlenty in 2006, making Lindell’s potential campaign an uphill battle in a state with strong Democratic support.
Beyond politics, Lindell has built a personal brand around his battle with drug addiction, openly discussing his past struggles and recovery.
He believes this background could be an asset in a gubernatorial race, making him relatable to voters and allowing him to frame himself as someone who has overcome adversity. “What are they going to do? ‘Well, Mike Lindell, you know he was a crack addict,” he said, laughing. “Yeah? What else you got?”
While Lindell has not officially declared his candidacy, he hinted that more definitive statements could be coming soon. “I am considering it, and I’m going to do due diligence… I’m going to make some bigger announcements tomorrow,” he said.
His potential entrance into the race would add another dynamic to what is expected to be a highly competitive election cycle in 2026.
If Lindell enters the race, his deep ties to Trump and the MAGA movement will likely make the contest one of the most closely watched in the country.
Trump has shown a willingness to involve himself in state-level races to support allies and challenge opponents. Lindell’s potential candidacy could benefit from the president’s backing, especially in a Republican primary.
Walz, on the other hand, has remained a target of conservative critics. He recently came under fire for mocking Trump and cost-cutting billionaire Elon Musk while stoking speculation about his own future political ambitions.
His comments regarding Tesla’s declining stock prompted backlash, particularly given that Minnesota’s public pension system holds investments in the electric vehicle company.
