Minnesota Republicans are divided over MyPillow founder Mike Lindell's possible nomination for governor ahead of the state's August 11, 2026 primary, NPR reported on August 8.

Lindell launched his campaign from his factory floor in Shakopee and is one of three GOP candidates seeking the nomination. He is running on a Trump-aligned platform and received Donald Trump's endorsement in mid-July. A recent poll showed Lindell leading the Republican field. Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth and Kendall Qualls, who received the state Republican Party's endorsement, round out the primary contenders.

The race has exposed a split between the state party apparatus — the official organization that runs GOP operations in Minnesota — and the Trump wing of the base. Trump endorsed Lindell over Qualls and Demuth. After that endorsement, the Minnesota GOP stepped up its campaign against Lindell, raising questions about whether he actually lives in the state.

State party officials have scrutinized Lindell's voter history. Minnesota state voting records show Lindell last voted in the state in 2022, with records of him voting as far back as 1998, the Star Tribune reported on July 22. Lindell said he voted in Texas in 2024. He also said he moved back to Minnesota on August 10, 2025. Lindell provided pay stubs to the Star Tribune showing he began paying state taxes after moving back. State records previously showed he was not registered to vote, and Lindell blamed the state for the report.

The Minnesota Republican Party chair raised doubts about Lindell's eligibility, MPR News reported on August 5. Lindell dismissed the residency concerns and emphasized his Trump endorsement at a Sauk Centre rally on July 23.

Lindell also faces an accusation of violating campaign laws by giving away pillows, CBS Minnesota reported on August 4. On the same day, Lindell announced he was stepping down as CEO of MyPillow to focus on the governor's race. He is no longer the majority owner of the company.

The broader context here involves Republican electability in the general election. Some Republicans are concerned that Lindell's closeness to Trump could hurt his chances in November, NPR reported. A Republican strategist told MPR News on July 22 that Lindell could hurt down-ballot GOP candidates — those running for other offices further down the ballot — in the general election.

Lindell has said he is confident he can win Minnesota's conservative vote. MPR News reported on August 5 that after securing Trump's endorsement, Lindell remained assured of his path to the nomination. He appeared at the Minnesota GOP convention in Duluth in May 2026.