Lindell misses recount deadline after withholding payment, files lawsuit

Mike Lindell, the MyPillow founder and prominent supporter of former President Donald Trump, has missed the deadline to secure a recount of his loss in Minnesota's Republican gubernatorial primary, after withholding the required $825,000 payment and filing a lawsuit against state election officials. The deadline passed on August 25, 2026, meaning no recount will proceed under current law unless a court orders otherwise.

Lindell finished second to Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth in the August 11 primary, trailing by approximately 45,000 votes. Demuth received 179,683 votes to Lindell's 134,282. The State Canvassing Board certified her victory on August 19, clearing her to face Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar in the November general election.

Under Minnesota law, a losing candidate in a race decided by more than 0.25% may request a discretionary recount within five days of the official vote tally, but must submit both a formal request and a bond to cover the cost. The Secretary of State's office prepared a recount plan on August 18 and estimated the cost at $825,000. A spokesperson for Secretary of State Steve Simon confirmed that Lindell did not submit the fee or the...