Mike Lindell steps back from MyPillow CEO position in effort to give Minnesota his full attention
By Easton Martin | August 5, 2026
MyPillow founder Mike Lindell is stepping down as Chief Executive Officer of the manufacturing company he launched 22 years ago, transitioning his focus entirely to his campaign for Governor of Minnesota.
In addition to relinquishing the CEO role, Lindell has reduced his ownership stake in the company to a minority interest. He will remain a member of MyPillow’s board of directors. James Furlong, who previously served as a director for the company, has been named the new CEO.
Lindell founded MyPillow in 2004 and led the enterprise through more than two decades of growth. In a statement explaining the leadership shift, Lindell noted that stepping back from daily corporate management allows him to give his unedited attention to voters across Minnesota.
”After 22 years of leading MyPillow, I know the company is ready for its next chapter and I know Minnesota cannot wait,” Lindell said. “This decision is not about walking away. It is about stepping forward to serve. 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.”
The executive change comes ahead of Minnesota’s Republican primary election. Lindell’s campaign platform centers on applying business experience to state operations, with proposals targeting fiscal reforms, tax reductions, and government efficiency.
Polling leading into the primary, including surveys conducted by SurveyUSA and KSTP, shows Lindell leading the Republican primary field. His campaign received a key momentum boost following an official endorsement from former President Donald Trump.
Lindell is competing for the nomination alongside major Republican candidates, including Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth and candidate Kendall Qualls. The winner of the primary will move on to represent the party in the November general election.
