My Pillow founder Mike Lindell is refusing to accept defeat in Minnesota's Republican gubernatorial primary, claiming the vote count is tainted by irregularities. The Trump-endorsed businessman trailed state House Speaker Lisa DeMuth by roughly 11 percentage points, a margin of more than 45,000 votes, according to Decision Desk HQ.
During a segment on his own network, LindellTV, a reporter pressed him on whether he would concede if the Associated Press called the race for DeMuth. Lindell pushed back, saying, "Why would I listen to the AP?" He insisted that "there's 265,000 votes left to count" and that he was "down by 18,000 now," vowing, "I'm not going to give up this race until the votes are counted. That's nonsense."
Lindell, who stepped down as CEO of his pillow company to run, has long cast doubt on election integrity, championing former President Trump's baseless claims that the 2020 election was stolen. His refusal to concede echoes the tactics of other Republicans who have challenged unfavorable results, a pattern that has drawn criticism from Democrats and election watchdogs.
Trump gave Lindell a last-minute boost on Tuesday, urging Minnesota Republicans to back him in a Truth Social post: "Mike Lindell deserves a BIG WIN IN MINNESOTA today. Nobody has worked harder, and given up so much, in fighting for free and fair Elections." The president added, "Go out, NOW, and VOTE for Mike Lindell for Governor," promising he "will not let you down." That endorsement, however, was not enough to overcome DeMuth's advantage.
Democratic Rep. Ted Lieu of California mocked Lindell's denial, posting on X: "Many people say Venezuela rigged the election against Mike Lindell because they don't like his pillows. Never seen anything like it." The jab highlights the skepticism surrounding Lindell's claims, which have previously included unsubstantiated theories about voting machines and foreign interference.
DeMuth now advances to the general election, where she will face Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar in the race to succeed retiring Gov. Tim Walz. In a statement issued just after midnight Wednesday, DeMuth called her primary win a "major milestone" but stressed her campaign was "not done yet." She wrote, "Tonight, Minnesotans made it clear they are ready for real change — at the top. It's time to end the fraud, restore common sense to our state government and return Minnesota to a place that works for families, seniors, businesses and our next generation." She closed with, "Let's go win in November!"
Lindell's refusal to concede has drawn parallels to other contested primaries, such as Montana Democrat Bankhead's refusal to exit, which could split the anti-GOP vote. Meanwhile, election officials in Minnesota have not reported any widespread issues, and the state's canvassing process is expected to certify results in the coming weeks.
The episode also underscores the ongoing tension within the GOP over election integrity, a theme Trump has amplified ahead of the midterms. His endorsement of Lindell was part of a broader effort to elevate loyalists, but DeMuth's victory suggests that some Republican voters prioritize electability over fealty to the former president.
As the general election approaches, Klobuchar's campaign is likely to highlight Lindell's baseless claims as evidence of extremism, while DeMuth will seek to distance herself from the controversy and focus on issues like the economy and education. The primary results have set the stage for a competitive fall contest in a state that has not elected a Republican governor in over a decade.
