GOP Chairman Questions Mike Lindell's Minnesota Residency Eligibility

The Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Alex Plechash requested urgent guidance from Secretary of State Steve Simon regarding constitutional residency requirements for gubernatorial candidates. Plechash sought clarification on whether the state's one-year residency mandate is measured by Election Day or the date a candidate takes office, citing concerns that Democrats might launch legal challenges if the candidate wins the August 11 primary.

The inquiry focuses on the eligibility of candidate Mike Lindell. Plechash pointed to a January 2025 Carver County complaint and a November 2025 Colorado court filing that identify Lindell as a Texas resident.

Mike Lindell denied the allegations, characterizing the inquiry as a "hit job." To prove his eligibility, Lindell provided pay stubs from August 2025 as evidence of paying taxes in Minnesota. The Secretary of State's office responded that it lacks the authority to investigate residency disputes, noting that such matters are handled by the Minnesota Supreme Court.