August 12, 2026

Lindell Refuses to Concede in Minnesota Gubernatorial Primary

MyPillow founder Mike Lindell sparked controversy by refusing to concede his loss in the Republican primary, despite receiving fewer votes than the winner.

Blog Feature 3905945415

Blog Feature 3905945415

MyPillow Founder Mike Lindell Refuses to Concede Minnesota Republican Gubernatorial Primary Loss

Mike Lindell, founder and CEO of MyPillow, has refused to concede his loss in the Minnesota Republican gubernatorial primary, despite receiving far fewer votes than winner Scott Jensen. The decision has sparked controversy and attention from media outlets, with many questioning the motivations behind Lindell’s actions.

Lindell lost the primary by a significant margin, garnering just over 14% of the vote compared to Jensen’s more than 41%. Despite this, Lindell claimed that he will not concede until all votes are counted. “I’m not conceding because I want to make sure every vote is counted,” Lindell said in a statement to Forbes. “We’re going to continue to fight for transparency and honesty in the election process.”

Lindell’s refusal to concede has raised eyebrows among Minnesota Republicans, who say it is an unusual move given the significant margin of defeat. “It’s not uncommon for losing candidates to question the results or request recounts,” said Jennifer Carnahan, chairwoman of the Minnesota Republican Party. “However, in this case, Mike Lindell’s actions seem more driven by a desire to continue his own personal narrative rather than a genuine concern about election integrity.”

Lindell has been a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump and has been involved in various election-related controversies over the years. His company, MyPillow, has faced backlash from major retailers for its support of Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results.

The incident highlights ongoing concerns about election integrity and democratic processes, particularly among Republican voters who have expressed skepticism about the accuracy of election results. “This is a disturbing trend that undermines trust in our electoral system,” said Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN), whose district includes parts of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. “We need to ensure that all candidates respect the outcome of elections and acknowledge the will of the voters.”

Lindell’s refusal to concede has also sparked concerns about the potential for voter suppression or manipulation in future elections. “This kind of behavior can have a chilling effect on democracy, making it more difficult for people to trust the process,” said Danielle Gaines, a spokesperson for the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office.

As the situation continues to unfold, Jensen is set to face off against Democratic nominee Rep. Jamie Long in the general election this November. The outcome of the primary has left many Republicans questioning whether Lindell will continue to be involved in party politics. “It’s unclear at this point what Mike Lindell plans to do next,” said Carnahan. “But one thing is certain: his actions have sparked a lot of conversation and debate within our party.”