Mike Lindell launches Minnesota governor bid
MyPillow founder and Trump ally Mike Lindell announced Dec. 11, 2025 at his Shakopee factory that he will seek the Republican nomination for Minnesota governor in 2026, aiming to challenge Democratic Gov. Tim Walz. Lindell said he told Donald Trump in August he was considering a run, plans to campaign in every town, and cast his bid around business experience and fighting fraud; Walz’s campaign blasted him as a conspiracy theorist tied to 2020 election denial.
📌 Key Facts
- Announcement made Dec. 11, 2025 at MyPillow’s Shakopee, MN facility, streamed on Lindell TV
- Lindell said he informed Trump in August and would welcome but did not predict an endorsement
- He cited advice from Rudy Giuliani and immediately did a live interview with Steve Bannon
- Walz is seeking a third term; his campaign issued a critical statement on Lindell’s entry
📊 Relevant Data
The Somali population in Minnesota is approximately 107,000, representing about 2% of the state's total population in 2024.
By the numbers: Minnesota's Somali population, according to census data — KTTC
The non-Hispanic White population in Minnesota decreased from 83% in 2010 to 76% in recent years, while people of color increased to 24% of the population.
By race & ethnicity | MN Compass — MN Compass
The Black population in Minnesota grew by 60% since 2010, increasing by about 197,000 people.
Report: Minnesota among states where Black population grew fastest since 2010 — MPR News
In the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme, 78 defendants have been charged as of November 2025, with many being of Somali descent, involving over $250 million in fraudulent claims from federal child nutrition programs.
78th Defendant Charged in Feeding Our Future Fraud Scheme — U.S. Department of Justice
Somali Minnesotans have a poverty rate of approximately 36% from 2019 to 2023, more than triple the U.S. poverty rate of 11.1%.
Inside 'Little Mogadishu': Minnesota's beleaguered Somali community and its push for belonging — Fox News