St. Paul, MN – Mike Lindell, the founder of MyPillow and a prominent supporter of former President Donald Trump, is defending his campaign’s significant spending on bulk purchases of his own memoir, “What Are the Odds?” as he seeks the Republican nomination for Governor of Minnesota. The unusual expenditure has drawn scrutiny as Lindell attempts to gain traction in a competitive field of GOP candidates.
Campaign finance records filed in St. Paul last week reveal that roughly $187,000 – approximately 68% of the $356,000 raised by Mike Lindell for Governor – was used to purchase copies of his self-published book. The purchases were made directly from Lindell’s for-profit company, raising questions about the allocation of campaign funds. Lindell has described the book as a personal account of his struggles with addiction and his religious conversion, and has been actively distributing it during campaign events.
Lindell’s Explanation for Book Purchases
Lindell has defended the spending, arguing that the book serves as a key campaign tool. He told the Minnesota Star Tribune that while other candidates distribute simple flyers, he is offering voters a more substantial piece of his personal story. “Everyone’s just giving out a little flyer,” Lindell said. “Well, here’s my autobiography.” He estimates the campaign purchased between 25,000 and 30,000 copies of “What Are the Odds?”
The book details Lindell’s past battles with drug and gambling addiction, culminating in what he describes as a spiritual awakening in 2009. It also recounts the origins of MyPillow, the company he built into a multi-million dollar enterprise known for its infomercials and interlocking foam pillows. The Roys Report notes that the final section of the book is dedicated to Lindell’s faith, titled “Jesus.”
A History of Political Activism and Controversy
Mike Lindell, often referred to as the “My Pillow Guy,” has turn into a well-known figure in conservative political circles. He is a staunch supporter of Donald Trump and played a significant role in promoting unsubstantiated claims of widespread voter fraud following the 2020 presidential election. According to his Wikipedia entry, Lindell has also promoted unproven medical treatments for COVID-19.
Lindell announced his candidacy for Governor of Minnesota in December 2025, receiving a public endorsement from Trump. He was born on June 28, 1961, in Mankato, Minnesota, and raised in Chaska and Carver. Before founding MyPillow, Lindell struggled with addiction and briefly attended the University of Minnesota before dropping out. His personal story, as detailed in his memoir, is central to his campaign messaging.
Campaign Finance and the Road Ahead
The unusual spending pattern has sparked debate about campaign finance practices and the effective use of resources. While Lindell defends the book purchases as a legitimate campaign expense, critics argue that the money could have been better allocated to traditional advertising or outreach efforts. The Minnesota gubernatorial race is expected to be highly competitive, and Lindell faces a number of other Republican candidates vying for the nomination.
The next campaign finance reports, due in the spring of 2026, will provide further insight into how Lindell’s campaign is allocating its resources and whether this strategy will prove effective in reaching voters. As of February 16, 2026, Lindell remains a visible presence on the campaign trail, continuing to distribute copies of his book and rally support among his base.
The Minnesota gubernatorial election is scheduled for November 2026. Voters will be choosing a successor to the current governor, and the race is expected to focus on key issues such as the economy, education, and healthcare. Lindell’s campaign promises to prioritize these issues, alongside his commitment to election integrity and conservative values.
Disclaimer: This article provides information about a political campaign and should not be considered an endorsement of any candidate or party.
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