Judge finds probable cause that Mike Lindell's pillow handouts violated campaign law

A Minnesota judge ruled on Thursday that there is probable cause to believe Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Lindell violated campaign laws by handing out pillows promoting his candidacy at a July Fourth parade. Lindell, who recently resigned as CEO of MyPillow, admitted that he and his campaign staff distributed the pillows, which bear his name and cost $34.95, during the parade in Delano, Minnesota.

The complaint filed on July 22 alleged that Lindell threw the pillows to spectators, with the packaging displaying the message "Mike Lindell for Governor." However, Lindell stated that the pillows were purchased wholesale for $4.90 each, and his campaign provided a promo code to reduce the price to $9.95. Minnesota law prohibits giving, promising, or lending any monetary value items to influence a voter's decision at an election, with exceptions for refreshments or food costing up to $5 consumed on the premises of a gathering.

Lindell presented affidavits, an invoice for the pillow purchase, and photographs of the campaign event during the hearing. The judge determined there is enough evidence to proceed with the case, which will now be reviewed by a panel of three administrative law judges and an evidentiary hearing.