Minnesota

MyPillow’s Mike Lindell announces he’s running for Minnesota governor as a Republican

Published

4 months ago

December 11, 2025

MyPillow’s Mike Lindell announces he’s running for Minnesota governor as a Republican

MyPillow founder and CEO Mike Lindell has announced he will run for Minnesota governor in 2026 against incumbent Gov. Tim Walz.

Lindell, 64, last week filed the paperwork to potentially run, but at the time said he hadn’t yet 100% decided on a gubernatorial run. On Thursday, he made it official.

“After prayerful consideration and hearing from so many of you across our great state, I’ve made the decision to enter the 2026 gubernatorial race,” Lindell posted on social media Thursday. “I’m still standing and I’ll stand for you.”

Lindell will run as a Republican and a noted ally of President Trump, and enters a crowded field of names who have already tossed their hats into the ring, as Walz, a Democrat, attempts to secure an unprecedented third consecutive four-year term as Minnesota’s governor.

“We’ve seen what happens when we elect a con man to the highest office in America,” Walz said Thursday, responding to Lindell’s announcement. “We can’t let it happen here in Minnesota.”

In addition to Lindell, state House Republican speaker Lisa Demuth has already announced a run for governor, as well as Scott Jensen, the Republican candidate who lost to Walz in the 2022 midterms. Other Republican hopefuls include Minnesota Rep. Kristin Robbins, Kendall Qualls and defense lawyer Chris Madel.

Lindell launched a campaign website, listing his main campaign priorities as including stopping fraud, fixing “failing school systems,” stopping “exploding property taxes” and “send(ing) illegal immigrants back.”

Lindell’s MyPillow has been at the center of a number of legal issues through the years, and earlier this year was ordered to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to shipping company DHL.

Also, a judge this year ruled that Lindell defamed election technology company Smartmatic after he alleged their voting machines rigged the 2020 presidential election in favor of former President Joe Biden. Lindell made similar unfounded claims against Dominion Voting Systems.

Minnesota has a history of political outsiders overperforming in statewide races, most notably former Gov. Jesse Ventura’s surprising win in 1998, but also it’s been two decades since a Republican won a statewide race in the increasingly blue-tilting state.

Jacob Rosen and

Caroline Cummings

contributed to this report.

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Minnesota

Another Minnesota city moves toward displaying old state flag

Published

11 minutes ago

April 8, 2026

Press Room

Another Minnesota city moves toward displaying old state flag

Elk River leaders are moving to keep Minnesota’s retired state flag flying in the city after residents backed the idea in a survey.

The Elk River City Council voted 5-0 on Monday night to draft a resolution to display the old flag instead of the new design adopted two years ago.

The move came after more than 1,000 residents responded to an online survey posted by the city. In that survey, the city says almost 75% supported displaying the old flag.

A final council vote is expected at its next meeting on the 20th.

Minnesotans hold onto old habits when buying a state flag

Other cities across the state have taken similar steps to fly the retired flag, including Champlin and Zumbrota.

The flag design turned into a political dispute when planning for a new design first began. Two years later, debates continue, with some believing the old flag celebrated the displacement of Native Americans and others embracing it due to its history.

Lawmakers, commission member discuss new legislation for state flag, seal designs

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Minnesota

Brad Paisley to perform at 2026 Minnesota State Fair

Published

12 hours ago

April 7, 2026

Press Room

Brad Paisley to perform at 2026 Minnesota State Fair

Country music star Brad Paisley will be bringing his talents to the Grandstand at this year’s Minnesota State Fair.

Paisley, along with special guest Avery Anna, will take to the stage on Sept. 3. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, with prices ranging between $52 to $113.75.

Paisley has won several awards, including three Grammys, two American Music Awards, 15 Academy of Country Music Awards and 14 Country Music Association Awards.

Brad Paisley performs during The Big 98’s Friendsgiving at the Grand Ole Opry House on November 10, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Jason Kempin / Getty Images

In 2008, Paisley became the first artist to achieve 10 consecutive Billboard Country Airplay No. 1 singles. Last year, he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

This year’s Grandstand acts also include TLC, Salt-N-Pepa, En Vogue, Rod Stewart, “Weird” Al Yankovic and Bonnie Raitt. Pre-fair discount admission tickets are also still available.

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Minnesota

ATHENA Award Honors Lori Kloos For Decades Of Service To SCTCC And Local Charities

Published

1 day ago

April 7, 2026

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ATHENA Award Honors Lori Kloos For Decades Of Service To SCTCC And Local Charities

ST. CLOUD (WJON News) — The Women’s Fund of the Central Minnesota Community Foundation has announced this year’s ATHENA Award winner.

Lori Kloos is the 2026 recipient.

She serves as the President of the St. Cloud Technical and Community College, where she has also held other leadership roles, including Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Administration for nearly 30 years. Prior to her time at SCTCC, Kloos served as a State and Legislative Auditor for Minnesota.

In addition to her professional achievements, Kloos is actively involved in the community, serving on several local boards and committees, including Greater St. Cloud, United Way, and the St. Cloud Downtown Rotary.

The ATHENA Award is a lifetime achievement honor recognizing exceptional women leaders who inspire others to achieve excellence in both their professional and personal lives.

Kloos will be honored on June 8th at the Women’s Fund Presents: Dancing With Our Stars Live at the College of St. Benedict.