Mike Lindell Challenges Recount Process in Minnesota’s Republican Primary

Mike Lindell has refused to pay for a recount and audit of the ballots in the Republican primary for Minnesota governor. He argues that the Secretary of State’s office has suggested an illegal process, as detailed in a statement from his campaign.

Lindell, founder of MyPillow, came second to Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, according to initial results. He indicated a willingness to personally fund the recount but has not yet done so. The deadline set by Secretary of State General Counsel Lauren Bethke for submitting the request was Monday.

The campaign discusses an $825,000 payment, stating it was “primed and ready to cover the costs.” However, they held back due to a dispute regarding the recount’s scope. Lindell’s team claims that state officials aim to recount only votes for him and Demuth, excluding other candidates, which they believe violates Minnesota law. The legal provision describes a recount as determining “the number of votes validly cast for the office or question to be recounted.”

Lindell demands the payment deadline be postponed until a court decides on the recount parameters proposed by election officials. Cassondra Knudson, spokesperson for Secretary of State Steve Simon, responded by noting that the proposed recount plan aligns with state law and administrative rules.

“Our office provided the contingent recount plan to Mr. Lindell after it was approved by the State Canvassing Board,” said Knudson.

The state released a contingency plan detailing how a statewide hand recount would occur if requested. Paul Linnell, the office’s director of elections, is designated as state recount official, with powers to appoint assistants to oversee the recount across the state. The recount process would be open to public and media scrutiny.

There have been no confirmed irregularities or fraud in the Minnesota primary results. Lindell, on the primary night of August 11, stated he would not concede until all votes were counted. He mentioned his team noticed “anomalies” requiring review but did not provide evidence.

Minnesota law specifies a losing candidate must request a recount within five days of the primary election canvass and supply the related funds. According to officials, Demuth received 179,683 votes, while Lindell secured 134,282.

The chosen Republican nominee will compete with Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar in the general election on November 3, aiming to replace retiring Gov. Tim Walz.