Minnesota Supreme Court rejects Lindell’s bid for full recount in GOP governor primary

Key points

• Chief Justice Natalie E. Hudson ruled that the state’s recount plan, which counts only ballots for Lindell and Demuth, follows Minnesota law and administrative rules.
• Lindell missed the August 24 deadline to pay for the recount, claiming the state’s limited scope constituted a 'bait-and-switch' that violated his right to a full audit.
• The court stated that Lindell’s focus on alleged 'anomalies' confuses a manual recount with an election contest, noting that all ballots would still be counted and subject to challenge.
• Lindell plans to appeal the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court and is pursuing an independent investigation of election data through the Freedom of Information Act.
• The ruling solidifies Lisa Demuth’s position as the Republican nominee for governor, setting up a general election against Democratic nominee Sen. Amy Klobuchar.

Background

Mike Lindell, the MyPillow founder and a prominent election denier, has a history of challenging voting machine integrity, including losing defamation cases against voting technology companies. He previously refused to concede the 2020 presidential election results. In the 2026 Minnesota primary, he lost to Lisa Demuth by a wide margin, citing 'anomalies' in electronic voting machines without providing concrete evidence. His campaign received backing from President Donald Trump, and he had previously pledged to cover the cost of a full recount but withheld payment when the state proposed a limited scope.

How outlets are covering it

NBC News and CBS News emphasize Lindell’s refusal to pay the $825,000 recount fee and his subsequent legal challenges, highlighting his claims of 'anomalies' and 'bait-and-switch' tactics by state officials. MPR News focuses on the legal merits of the Supreme Court’s ruling, noting that Lindell’s bid to broaden the recount beyond the state-approved plan was without merit. Pioneer Press provides additional context on Lindell’s history of election denialism and his ongoing legal battles with voting machine companies, while also noting the practical implications of the ruling for the November general election. All sources agree that the court’s decision affirms Demuth’s victory, but they differ in their emphasis on Lindell’s motivations and the legal nuances of the recount process.

Why it matters

The ruling resolves a significant legal challenge to the integrity of the 2026 Minnesota gubernatorial primary, ensuring that the general election can proceed without delay. It also highlights the ongoing tensions between election officials and candidates who question the validity of electronic voting systems. The decision reinforces the state’s commitment to following established recount procedures, even in the face of disputes from high-profile candidates. Additionally, it sets a precedent for how future recounts in Minnesota will be handled, particularly in cases where candidates seek to broaden the scope of the audit beyond what is permitted by law.

What to watch

Lindell has indicated he will appeal the ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court, though federal courts typically refrain from intervening in state-level election cases. He is also pursuing an independent investigation of election data through the Freedom of Information Act. The general election between Lisa Demuth and Sen. Amy Klobuchar is scheduled for November 3, with early voting beginning on September 18. The outcome of the appeal could have implications for future recounts in Minnesota and other states, particularly in cases where candidates challenge the scope of the audit.