Mike Lindell, CEO MyPillow and a close ally of President Donald Trump, announced Thursday that he is running for Minnesota governor in 2026, seeking the Republican nomination to challenge Democratic Gov. Tim Walz. Lindell made the announcement at his MyPillow factory, accusing political opponents of targeting his business over his support for Trump’s claims that the 2020 election was stolen.
Lindell said he plans to campaign across the state and acknowledged he has sought advice from Trump allies, though he did not say whether Trump would endorse him. Known nationally as the “MyPillow Guy,” Lindell became a prominent election denier after 2020, leading to major legal, financial, and reputational setbacks for him and his company.
Democrats quickly criticized his candidacy, calling him a far-right conspiracy theorist tied to Trump extremism. Lindell faces multiple defamation cases related to voting machine claims, with courts already ruling that he made false statements, though some damages issues remain unresolved.
Despite limited personal funds, Lindell said grassroots supporters nationwide are eager to donate. He vowed to make election integrity, including opposition to electronic vote tabulation, a key part of his platform, arguing that his personal struggles and business experience set him apart from other Republican contenders.
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SALT SAYS SOMALI-OWNED BUSINESSES HAVE RECENTLY LOST CUSTOMERS AND BLAMES FORMER PRESIDENT TRUMP’S RHETORIC.
Leaders from the Somali American Leadership Taskforce say recent political rhetoric has led to declining customer traffic at Somali-owned businesses across the Twin Cities.
Members of the Somali American Leadership Taskforce (SALT) say their community is experiencing growing economic strain, reporting a noticeable drop in customer activity at Somali-owned grocery stores, restaurants, and shopping centers over the past two weeks.
According to SALT representatives, the downturn appears to coincide with heightened national political rhetoric, which they describe as inflammatory and harmful to community relations. Business owners say foot traffic has slowed significantly, with some reporting reduced sales and canceled orders.
“This is not just about politics—it’s about livelihoods,” one community leader said. “Small businesses are feeling the consequences in real time.”
SALT leaders argue that the climate of fear and uncertainty has discouraged customers from visiting Somali-owned establishments, even those that have served their neighborhoods for decades. They stress that these businesses are deeply embedded in local economies, employing workers and providing essential services.
Community advocates are calling for calmer rhetoric and greater focus on unity, warning that prolonged economic pressure could force some businesses to shut down.
Local officials have not yet released data verifying the scale of the economic impact, but multiple business owners confirmed a decline in activity.
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