Trump backs lindell in minnesota governor race amid election controversy

Donald Trump has thrown his considerable weight behind Mike Lindell, the MyPillow CEO, in Minnesota’s upcoming gubernatorial primary, a move further cementing the campaign’s focus on persistent claims of election fraud.

A patriot endorsed – and a question of residency

In a Truth Social post Wednesday, Trump declared Lindell “one of America’s greatest and most hard-working Patriots,” citing the founder’s “sacrifices” in combating what he frames as widespread irregularities in the 2020 election. This endorsement arrives as Lindell struggles to gain traction in general election polls, trailing significantly behind Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar.

The latest Star Tribune/KARE 11/Hubbard School Minnesota poll reveals a stark reality: Klobuchar holds a commanding 53% to 36% lead over Lindell, with 11% still undecided. This represents a significant hurdle for the Republican challenger, particularly given the tight race already underway for early voting.

Klobuchar dominates gop field

But the Republican primary isn't a simple two-person contest. Klobuchar also outperforms other GOP contenders, securing 48% of the vote against Kendall Qualls, the party’s endorsed candidate, and 48% against House Speaker Lisa Demuth. The ballot also includes names like Scott Jensen and Peggy Bennett, all vying for the Republican nomination – a crowded field highlighting the deep divisions within the state’s party.

Residency concerns shadow lindell’s campaign

The endorsement comes with a complicating factor: Lindell’s residency. He was born in Minnesota and built MyPillow operations within the state, but previously registered to vote in Texas, a detail he now claims was a misrepresentation. He insists he’s re-established residency and will meet Minnesota’s requirement of living in the state for a year prior to the general election. This ongoing question presents a potential legal challenge, adding another layer of uncertainty to his campaign.

Walz’s incumbency – and a decisive victory

The governor’s race opened up after incumbent Tim Walz, a Democratic-Farmer-Labor candidate and 2024 vice-presidential nominee, opted against seeking a third term. Walz decisively defeated Republican candidate Scott Jensen in the 2022 election by a margin of 7.7 percentage points. The November 3rd general election will undoubtedly pit Walz against the most formidable challenger he’s faced – Mike Lindell.