Former US President Donald Trump endorsed businessman Mike Lindell for the Minnesota gubernatorial race on Wednesday, backing him ahead of the state's Republican primary election on August 11.
Trump called Lindell "one of America's greatest and most hard working Patriots" and praised his dedication to election integrity, saying Lindell has "sacrificed" and will "MAKE MINNESOTA GREAT AGAIN."
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The endorsement comes as Lindell, founder of MyPillow, faces low polling numbers.
A June survey by the Star Tribune, KARE 11, and the Hubbard School showed Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar leading Lindell 53% to 36%, with 11% undecided.
Klobuchar also leads other Republican contenders: party-endorsed candidate Kendall Qualls (48% to 37%) and Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth (48% to 40%).
The primary ballot includes state representative Peggy Bennett and 2022 nominee Scott Jensen.
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The open gubernatorial seat follows incumbent Tim Walz's decision not to seek a third term.
Lindell's campaign faces questions about state residency requirements.
He previously registered to vote in Texas and described himself as a "Texas citizen" in a legal filing last year.
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Lindell has stated he re-established residency in Minnesota to meet the one-year requirement before the general election on November 3.
