Minnesota Supreme Court blocks Lindell's bid for full gubernatorial recount

Key points

• The Minnesota Supreme Court denied Lindell's request to expand the recount scope to include all 1.1 million ballots and all candidates.
• Lindell missed the Monday deadline to formally request and pay for the recount, citing disputes over the state's proposed methodology.
• The ruling affirms Lisa Demuth's victory in the GOP primary, securing her spot in the November general election against Amy Klobuchar.
• Lindell stated he intends to appeal the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court and is pursuing an independent data investigation via FOIA requests.

Background

Following the August 11 primary, Lindell pledged to personally fund an estimated $825,000 statewide hand recount, alleging irregularities in electronic voting machines. He previously faced legal sanctions for defamation related to his 2020 election claims. State officials warned that delaying the recount could interfere with general election ballot preparations, with early voting set to begin on September 18.

How outlets are covering it

MPR News and CBS News emphasize that the court found Lindell's claims without merit and that the state's plan is lawful. NBC News highlights Lindell's refusal to pay the recount costs until his legal challenge was resolved and notes his ongoing financial disputes with voting technology companies. All sources agree that the ruling solidifies Demuth's position as the Republican nominee, though Lindell continues to dispute the results without providing documented evidence of fraud.

Why it matters

The decision prevents a potential delay in the November general election timeline and settles the Republican nomination dispute. It also underscores the legal boundaries of election recounts in Minnesota, limiting candidates' ability to demand expansive audits without clear evidence of irregularities.

What to watch

Lindell plans to appeal the ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court, though federal courts rarely intervene in state election matters. He is also requesting data from all 87 counties through Freedom of Information Act requests to conduct an independent investigation. General election preparations, including ballot printing, will proceed as scheduled.