The Brief Republican governor candidates Kendall Qualls and Mike Lindell debated key issues ahead of the state primary on Tuesday, August 11. Both candidates presented themselves as political outsiders with different approaches to taxes, government accountability and social service fraud. Two of the leading Republican candidates for governor faced off on Friday in a televised debate as the state primary approaches. Republican candidates debate key issues ahead of primaryWhat we know:Former health care executive Kendall Qualls and My Pillow CEO Mike Lindell took part in a debate on Almanac, hosted by Twin Cities Public Television. The debate lasted about half an hour and covered topics including immigration, health care reform, election integrity and fraud in state social service programs.