Mike Lindell faces hearing on Minnesota campaign finance complaint

A Minnesota judge has scheduled a probable‑cause hearing on a campaign‑finance complaint that alleges MyPillow CEO and Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Lindell violated state election law by distributing free pillows stamped with "Mike Lindell for Governor" at a Fourth of July parade. The complaint values the pillows at $34.95 and argues the giveaway constitutes an illegal exchange of value for electoral influence.

Separately, the Minnesota Republican Party has asked Secretary of State Steve Simon to clarify the state’s residency requirement for gubernatorial candidates, citing documents that list Lindell as a Texas citizen and a resident of Lufkin, Texas. The party seeks guidance on whether the one‑year residency period is measured at election day or at the time the office is assumed. Lindell has dismissed the concerns as a "hit job." The controversy unfolds as former President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed Lindell for governor.