Overview
- Lindell announced on Dec. 11 from his MyPillow factory and on LindellTV, pledging to tackle government fraud, crime and taxes while promoting hand-counted ballots.
- Recent legal setbacks include a September federal finding that he defamed Smartmatic with 51 false statements and a June Colorado jury award of $2.3 million to a former Dominion employee.
- He says his personal finances are depleted and that he will rely on supporter donations, and he has not committed to honoring the state GOP endorsement before the primary.
- The Republican field already includes House Speaker Lisa Demuth, 2022 nominee Scott Jensen, state Rep. Kristin Robbins, attorney Chris Madel and former executive Kendall Qualls.
- Gov. Tim Walz, seeking a third term, quickly criticized Lindell as an election denier as a potential endorsement from President Donald Trump remains an unresolved factor in the race.