Mike Lindell is stepping away from the company he founded to focus entirely on his bid to become Minnesota’s next governor.
The MyPillow founder announced Tuesday that he is relinquishing his role as CEO after more than two decades, reducing his ownership stake to a minority position while remaining on the company’s board of directors. The shakeup comes as the Republican ramps up his campaign ahead of next week’s primary.
“I will be no longer involved in any way, shape or form. I will be running for governor. I’m all in for governor, I will just be a minority stockholder,” Lindell told KSTP, adding, “my company is stronger than ever.”
Former MyPillow President James Furlong is returning to lead the company as chief executive after previously serving in the role from 2004 through 2019. Justin Butler will take over as chief financial officer.
Lindell said the decision allows him to devote all of his attention to the governor’s race.
“Today, I’ve made one of the biggest decisions of my life. I’m stepping down as CEO of MyPillow so I can devote 100% of my time and energy to my campaign for Governor of Minnesota,” he wrote on X.
In the company’s statement, he added, “this decision is not about walking away. It is about stepping forward to serve.”
The announcement comes days before Minnesota Republicans choose their nominee in the Aug. 11 primary. Early voting is already underway.
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Trump endorsed Lindell last month over the Minnesota GOP-backed candidate, businessman Kendall Qualls, and House Speaker Lisa Demuth. A recent KSTP/SurveyUSA poll showed Lindell leading the Republican field with 35%, followed by Demuth at 26% and Qualls at 11%.
The campaign has also drawn legal and political scrutiny.
The Minnesota Republican Party recently asked Secretary of State Steve Simon to clarify whether Lindell satisfies the state’s residency requirements for candidates. Lindell rejected the challenge, calling it “a lie” and “a hit job.”
He is also facing a separate complaint alleging he violated campaign law by tossing pillows packaged with “Mike Lindell for Governor” branding into a crowd during a Fourth of July parade in Delano.
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