Mike Lindell Steps Down as CEO to Focus on Minnesota Governor Race

Mike Lindell has announced he is stepping down as CEO of MyPillow to focus fully on campaigning for governor of Minnesota. After two decades at the helm of the pillow company, Lindell is shifting his attention to the political arena. He has reduced his ownership stake to a minority position but will continue to serve on MyPillow’s board of directors.

This change comes in the lead-up to Minnesota’s Republican gubernatorial primary, with early voting already underway. On X, formerly known as Twitter, Lindell stated: “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.” Lindell emphasized his commitment to Minnesota, expressing his eagerness to earn voter support.

In a company statement, Lindell shared: “After 22 years of leading MyPillow, I know the company is ready for its next chapter and I know Minnesota cannot wait.” He added that the decision is about prioritizing Minnesota over his personal business interests to serve the state.

James Furlong, a former director of MyPillow, has been appointed the new chief executive.

Who Is Mike Lindell?

Lindell founded MyPillow in 2004, growing the Minnesota-based company into a national brand through television ads and direct marketing. He is a prominent supporter of Donald Trump and has actively participated in Republican politics in recent years. Earlier this year, Lindell launched his campaign for Minnesota governor, establishing himself as a leading Republican contender. His campaign has gained momentum from a presidential endorsement, though he faces competition from Kendall Qualls and Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth.

Lindell’s campaign has encountered challenges, including inquiries about residency requirements by Minnesota Republicans. Lindell has dismissed these concerns as false accusations. Furthermore, his campaign faced allegations of violating state election laws after distributing pillows promoting his candidacy. Lindell denies any wrongdoing.

If he secures the nomination, Lindell is likely to face Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar in November’s election.

How Much Is He Worth?

Lindell built MyPillow into a company generating hundreds of millions annually. However, MyPillow’s finances have felt pressure as major retailers dropped its products due to Lindell’s promotion of false claims about the 2020 election. Additionally, Lindell has invested millions in election-related lawsuits and advocacy. His net worth estimates vary widely, as MyPillow is privately held and does not publicly disclose financial details.

Why Is He Stepping Down From MyPillow?

Lindell cites his desire to concentrate fully on the gubernatorial race as the reason behind stepping down. He believes Minnesota deserves his undivided attention, enabling him to focus all resources on campaigning. Lindell remains on MyPillow’s board despite reducing his ownership stake.

Lindell and Trump’s Long Friendship

Lindell has established himself as one of Trump’s steadfast political allies since the latter’s presidential term. Their relationship persisted over time, with Lindell often visiting the White House and continuing his public support after Trump left office. Lindell strongly advocated for claims of election fraud following the 2020 election, which courts dismissed multiple times due to lack of evidence.

Recently, Trump endorsed Lindell’s gubernatorial campaign, describing him as a strong conservative candidate. This endorsement boosts Lindell’s position within the Republican field as Minnesota voters prepare for the upcoming primary election.