Trump Endorsed the MyPillow Guy as Minnesota Governor. The State GOP Isn’t Buying It
The Minnesota Republican Party has publicly distanced itself from Mike Lindell, despite his endorsement by Donald Trump for the gubernatorial race. Party leaders cite concerns over Lindell's electability, financial history, and lack of deep ties to the state.
Why it matters
The conflict illustrates the tension between local party organizations and the influence of national figures like Trump in state-level primary elections.
Lindell is now running for Minnesota governor and already has President Donald Trump’s endorsement.
“Mike will be SPECTACULAR!!! He truly loves Minnesota, as do I, and wants to bring it back from oblivion and embarrassment,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. Over the weekend, Trump praised Lindell in person at a fundraiser, and boosted Lindell again on Tuesday, writing: “Mike Lindell would be a GREAT Governor. He loves Minnesota with all of his heart.”
While polls show Lindell is the clear favorite to win the Republican nomination in the primary on August 11, Trump’s endorsement was far from welcome for the Minnesota GOP.
“We were surprised by President Trump’s endorsement of Mike Lindell,” Alex Plechash, Minnesota Republican Party chairman, wrote in a statement posted on the party’s website hours after Trump’s initial endorsement. Plechash went on to slam Lindell’s credentials:
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