Lisa Demuth defeats Mike Lindell in Minnesota gubernatorial primary election

Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth has won the Republican primary for governor, defeating MyPillow founder Mike Lindell, a prominent supporter of former President Donald Trump. The Associated Press called the race shortly after polls closed. Demuth, 59, will now face Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar in the general election this fall.

Demuth's victory comes as she aims to end a two-decade losing streak for Republicans in Minnesota's gubernatorial races. She has emphasized her ability to work across party lines during her tenure in the state House, which is nearly evenly split between Republicans and Democrats. Her campaign has positioned her as the candidate best suited to challenge Klobuchar, who won her party's primary decisively.

Lindell's campaign drew significant attention, both positive and negative. His close ties to Trump have raised concerns among some Republican leaders about his electability, especially since Trump lost Minnesota in all three of his presidential runs. Additionally, Lindell's staunch support for Trump's unfounded claims regarding the 2020 election has led to scrutiny of his business record and residency in the state. Some Republican strategists worry that Lindell's association with Trump could alienate moderate voters in the general election.

Demuth enjoyed a considerable fundraising advantage throughout her campaign, allowing her to effectively communicate her message to voters. She has stated that her campaign will focus on combating fraud in state government programs. With Governor Tim Walz opting not to seek a third term, the upcoming election will be pivotal for both parties as they navigate an evolving political landscape in Minnesota.