Mike Lindell launches Minnesota governor bid
MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell announced Thursday he is officially running for Minnesota governor in 2026 after filing paperwork earlier this month. He joins a crowded GOP field that includes House Speaker Lisa Demuth, Rep. Kristin Robbins, Kendall Qualls, Chris Madel, Scott Jensen and others to challenge Gov. Tim Walz, who is seeking a third term.
đ Key Facts
- Lindell announced his bid on social media on Dec. 11, 2025, after filing earlier this month.
- Joins a large Republican field including Lisa Demuth, Kristin Robbins, Chris Madel, Kendall Qualls, Scott Jensen, Brad Kohler, Jeff Johnson and Phillip Parrish.
- Gov. Tim Walz is running for a third term in 2026.
đ Relevant Data
The White population in Minnesota is expected to decrease from around 4.45 million in 2024 to about 3.98 million in 2075, while the total population grows from 5.78 million to 6.11 million.
Data by Topic: Our Projections â MN State Demographic Center
The Black population in Minnesota is projected to increase from 440,627 in 2024 to 785,638 in 2075.
Data by Topic: Our Projections â MN State Demographic Center
Approximately 107,000 people of Somali descent lived in Minnesota in 2024, representing about 2% of the state's population.
By the numbers: Minnesota's Somali population, according to census data â KTTC
In 2023, Black individuals accounted for 31,045 arrests in Minnesota (27% of total arrests), while comprising about 7.5% of the population, compared to White individuals who accounted for 57,795 arrests (50% of total) while comprising about 76% of the population.
2023 Uniform Crime Report â Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
In the 2020 Minnesota presidential election, White voters comprised 87% of the electorate and supported Biden by 51% to Trump's 47%, while Black voters comprised 4% and supported Biden by 77% to Trump's 21%.
Exit poll results and analysis from Minnesota â The Washington Post