Trump-backed MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell Flouts Residency Rules While Running for Minnesota Governor
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Mike Lindell, the MyPillow CEO notorious for spreading election conspiracies and backed by Donald Trump, remains registered to vote in Texas despite his campaign for Minnesota governor, raising serious concerns about his disregard for basic residency laws.
Mike Lindell, the 65-year-old MyPillow CEO infamous for promoting baseless election lies and now endorsed by President Donald Trump, is still registered to vote in Texas even as he seeks the Republican nomination for Minnesota governor. Public records reveal Lindell last voted in Minnesota in 2022, yet he described himself as a “Texas citizen” in a court filing just last year. Minnesota law requires gubernatorial candidates to be residents for at least one year before the general election, meaning Lindell must scramble to re-establish residency and register to vote in the state before he can even vote for himself.
"one of America’s greatest and most hardworking Patriots," Trump wrote on Truth Social, once again showing his support for fringe figures who undermine democratic norms.
The Minnesota Star Tribune reported that Lindell only plans to re-establish residency if he formally enters the race, a move that highlights his opportunistic approach to public office. Early voting for the August 11 Republican primary is already underway. A recent Survey USA/KSTP poll placed Lindell in first place among Republican contenders with 27 percent support, ahead of House Speaker Lisa Demuth and businessman Kendall Qualls. However, a hypothetical general-election matchup earlier this month showed Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar—an advocate for democracy and progressive values—leading the Trump-backed candidate by a commanding 17 points.
Since announcing his campaign in December, Lindell has funneled a significant portion of his fundraising into promoting his self-aggrandizing book, "What Are the Odds? From Crack Addict to CEO," and has lashed out at the Minnesota Republican Party and local media for supposedly marginalizing his campaign—an accusation that fits a familiar pattern of grievance politics from the far right.