Mike Lindell resigns as MyPillow CEO to devote full time to Minnesota governor race
Mike Lindell announced he will step down as chief executive of MyPillow and retain a board seat to focus on his campaign for Minnesota governor.
Mike Lindell confirmed he is leaving the chief executive position at MyPillow, a company he started in 2004, and will serve only as a board member after cutting his share to a minority. He said the decision reflects his desire to prioritize the Minnesota governor's race over his business role. James Furlong, who previously served on MyPillow’s board from 2004 to 2019, will take over as CEO.
The announcement coincides with the Republican Party of Minnesota asking Secretary of State Steve Simon to clarify residency rules for candidates, a move Lindell dismissed as a political attack. He has been promoting his candidacy, notably distributing pillows at a July 4 parade, and leads the GOP field in a SurveyUSA/KSTP poll. Early voting for the August 11 primary has begun, with the eventual Republican nominee expected to face Senator Amy Klobuchar in November.
Why it matters
Lindell's shift from business to politics could reshape Minnesota's gubernatorial contest and affect MyPillow's leadership.
How the sides frame it
HIGH AGREEMENTBoth camps report Lindell’s resignation to devote himself to the Minnesota governor race, naming James Furlong as his successor, with no substantive disagreement.
LEFT
Left-leaning coverage presents the resignation as a straightforward decision to prioritize the governor’s race, noting Lindell’s poll lead and continued board role.
RIGHT
Right-leaning coverage frames the resignation as a move to put Minnesota’s needs first, while highlighting party concerns about Lindell’s eligibility.
The left emphasises
- Lindell is leaving the CEO post to devote full time to his campaign
- He remains a board member after cutting his share to a minority
- He leads the GOP field in a SurveyUSA/KSTP poll
The right emphasises
- Lindell will relinquish the CEO role to focus exclusively on his campaign
- Minnesota’s needs take precedence over his business role
- The Minnesota Republican Party has reservations about his eligibility
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