Pillow Company Owner Leads Race for Minnesota Governor Despite Party Opposition

Mike Lindell, who founded MyPillow, leads in early polls for Minnesota's August 2026 governor race on the Republican side, NPR reported. Donald Trump endorsed him. The state Republican Party supports a different candidate, Kendall Qualls, and has questioned whether Lindell qualifies to run. Lindell dismissed the concerns. Some Republicans worry his Trump ties could hurt them in November.