Mike Lindell Steps Down as MyPillow CEO for Minnesota Governor Campaign

Mike Lindell announced his resignation as CEO of MyPillow to focus on campaigning for the governor of Minnesota. As a longstanding ally of Donald Trump, Lindell shared his decision on Tuesday, stepping down after over 20 years in leadership. He retains a minority stake in MyPillow but remains on the board of directors. This change precedes Minnesota’s Republican gubernatorial primary, with elections scheduled for August 11.

On X, previously known as Twitter, Lindell expressed, “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 emphasized his commitment by stating, “Minnesota deserves my full attention, and that’s exactly what I’m giving it. I’m all in, and I can’t wait to earn your vote.”

In MyPillow’s official statement, Lindell remarked, “After 22 years of leading MyPillow, I know the company is ready for its next chapter and I know Minnesota cannot wait.” He clarified that his decision was about prioritizing Minnesota over personal interests, noting, “I am putting Minnesota above myself, my title, and my business interests so I can give this campaign and the people of our state my full time, energy, and attention.” James Furlong, a former director, takes over as the new CEO.

Who Is Mike Lindell?

Mike Lindell founded MyPillow in 2004, turning it into a nationally recognized brand through extensive TV ads and direct marketing. Beyond business, he became a prominent supporter of Trump and remained active in Republican political circles. Lindell launched his campaign for Minnesota governor earlier this year and stands as a leading Republican candidate. Trump endorsed Lindell, despite competition from Kendall Qualls, backed by the Minnesota Republican Party, and Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth.

His campaign has attracted scrutiny. Republicans questioned the constitutional residency requirements, raising doubts about Lindell’s domicile. He dismissed these concerns as unjust attacks. Additionally, pillows promoting his candidacy distributed during a Fourth of July parade led to allegations of state election law violations, which Lindell denied.

If nominated, Lindell is likely to face Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar in the general election, who is considered a frontrunner for her party’s nomination.

What Is His Net Worth?

Previously, Lindell claimed MyPillow generated hundreds of millions in annual revenue. However, financial pressures have increased as several retailers dropped MyPillow products due to Lindell’s election claims. He also disclosed spending millions on election litigation and advocacy. Lindell’s exact net worth remains unclear due to MyPillow’s private status and undisclosed financial details.

Why Is He Stepping Down From MyPillow?

Lindell’s decision stemmed from his commitment to focus entirely on his gubernatorial campaign. He stated that Minnesota “deserves my full attention,” and stepping aside allows him to devote all his time and energy to the campaign. Along with reducing his ownership stake, he continues to serve on MyPillow’s board of directors.

Lindell and Trump’s Alliance

Lindell has been a loyal ally of Trump since his first term, maintaining closeness over the years. He frequently visited the White House and continued supporting Trump after his presidency. Following the 2020 election, Lindell was vocal about claims of a stolen election despite courts rejecting related legal challenges.

Last month, Trump endorsed Lindell for governor, describing him as a strong conservative candidate and urging Minnesota Republicans to support him. This endorsement bolstered Lindell’s position in the Republican field ahead of the upcoming primary voting.