Donald Trump has endorsed Mike Lindell in the Minnesota governor's race, calling the MyPillow founder a patriot who has sacrificed for election integrity. The endorsement, posted on Truth Social, boosts Lindell ahead of the August 11 Republican primary but trails in general election polling against Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar.
Trump's Endorsement and Its Impact
In his Truth Social post, Trump described Lindell as “one of America’s greatest and most hard working Patriots” who has fought for election integrity. This backing comes as Lindell faces a crowded Republican primary field, including party-endorsed candidate Kendall Qualls, state house speaker Lisa Demuth, 2022 nominee Scott Jensen, and state representative Peggy Bennett.
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Trump’s endorsement could energize Lindell’s base, but polling shows a tough general election battle. A June Star Tribune/KARE 11/Hubbard School Minnesota poll found Klobuchar leading Lindell 53% to 36%, with 11% undecided. Klobuchar also leads Qualls (48% to 37%) and Demuth (48% to 40%).
Key Candidates in the Race
The Republican primary ballot features multiple contenders, each vying for the nomination. Here is a comparison of their general election matchups against Klobuchar:
| Candidate | Klobuchar Support | Candidate Support | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mike Lindell | 53% | 36% | 11% |
| Kendall Qualls | 48% | 37% | 15% |
| Lisa Demuth | 48% | 40% | 12% |
Klobuchar is the Democratic frontrunner after entering the race in January, with the governor’s seat open because Tim Walz is not seeking reelection.
Residency Questions for Lindell
Lindell’s campaign faces scrutiny over his residency. Born in Minnesota and founder of MyPillow there, he was registered to vote in Texas for several years and described himself as a “Texas citizen” in a court filing. He now claims to have re-established Minnesota residency, meeting the state’s requirement of living there for at least one year before the general election.
Key Takeaways
- Trump’s endorsement of Mike Lindell could sway Republican primary voters in Minnesota.
- Lindell trails Klobuchar by 17 points in general election polling.
- Residency issues may affect Lindell’s ballot eligibility.
- The Republican primary includes multiple candidates, with Qualls and Demuth as strong alternatives.
- Klobuchar leads all GOP contenders in hypothetical matchups.
FAQ
Who is Mike Lindell?
Mike Lindell is the founder of MyPillow and a prominent election integrity activist. He is running for Minnesota governor as a Republican with Donald Trump’s endorsement.
When is the Minnesota Republican primary?
The Minnesota Republican primary is scheduled for August 11, with early voting already underway.
What are the residency requirements for Minnesota governor?
Candidates must have lived in Minnesota for at least one year before the general election. Lindell asserts he has re-established residency after years in Texas.