MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell has officially entered the 2026 Minnesota governor’s race, launching a campaign centered on election security, tax reform and government accountability.

We are almost always No. 1 in voter turnout because we have good, bipartisan laws that balance access and security," Simon said. “My aim is to keep it that way.”

The 2026 election will see races for State House and Senate, constitutional offices, and a few federal seats in Minnesota. It’ll be the first time since 2022 that state senators and constitutional officers will be on the ballot.

Lindell, a Trump backer who promoted debunked allegations about the 2020 elections and has been embroiled in defamation suits, joins a crowded Republican field.

MAZEPPA, Minn. — Republican state Sen. Steve Drazkowski announced Tuesday, Dec. 9, that he would not seek re-election in 2026.

Simon has fought federal attempts to seize voters’ personal data and other maneuvers he says amount to unprecedented encroachment into elections.

Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon is officially seeking a fourth term. Simon announced on Tuesday that he's running for reelection in 2026, joining other top Democrats hoping to hold onto their roles, including Gov. Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison.