Minnesota state Representative Lisa Demuth has secured the Republican nomination for governor, according to projections by Decision Desk HQ. Her victory marks a significant political setback for former President Donald Trump, who had formally endorsed Mike Lindell, the CEO of MyPillow, in the race.

Mike Lindell, a prominent figure in Republican politics, has faced ongoing legal and public scrutiny regarding his claims about election integrity. Notably, a judge recently ruled that Lindell defamed the election technology company Smartmatic through his public statements concerning the 2020 election. The primary results suggest that despite Trump’s endorsement, Minnesota Republican voters opted for a candidate with a legislative background over the high-profile businessman.

The race highlights a recurring theme in recent primary cycles where Trump-backed candidates have faced challenges in securing support from the broader party base. While Trump’s influence remains a significant factor in Republican primaries, the Minnesota result indicates that his endorsement does not guarantee victory, particularly when candidates are embroiled in controversial legal disputes or hold positions that may alienate segments of the party electorate.