Donald Trump has endorsed MyPillow founder Mike Lindell in Minnesota’s Republican gubernatorial primary, but the state party has publicly distanced itself from his candidacy. The split matters because it exposes the difficulty local Republicans face when Trump backs a candidate they consider weak or politically risky, while they still rely on his most committed supporters.

Lindell, known for promoting baseless claims that the 2020 election was stolen, is reportedly favoured to win the Republican primary on 11 August despite having no political-office experience. Minnesota GOP chair Alex Plechash cited Lindell’s financial baggage, previously delinquent property taxes, voting-registration issues and questions about his running mate; analysts believe he would struggle against likely Democratic nominee Amy Klobuchar. Lindell says the party has obstructed his campaign, while his election-fraud activism has cost him millions and led to lawsuits, including an ongoing case brought by Smartmatic.