Mike Lindell stepped down as CEO of MyPillow on August 4, 2026, after 22 years, to focus full-time on his campaign for Minnesota governor.
He described it as one of the biggest decisions of his life, saying the company was ready for its next chapter and that “Minnesota cannot wait.” He reduced his ownership to a minority stake but remains on the board. James Furlong, a former longtime company president/director, became the new CEO. Lindell stated he is putting the state above his business interests so he can give the campaign his full attention.
Current situation in the governor’s race
Lindell is a Republican candidate in the August 11, 2026 primary (general election November 3). Incumbent Democratic Gov. Tim Walz is not seeking re-election. Lindell has President Trump’s endorsement and has been leading or near the top in recent polls against main rivals Kendall Qualls (Minnesota GOP-endorsed) and House Speaker Lisa Demuth.
Challenges include:
Residency questions raised by the Minnesota Republican Party over his recent time living and registered to vote in Texas. Lindell says he has been a Minnesota resident for well over a year (meeting the requirement), holds a Minnesota driver’s license, and calls the concerns a politically motivated attack.
A campaign finance complaint filed July 22, 2026, by Democratic state Senate candidate Dan Fiskum. It alleges Lindell violated Minnesota’s Fair Campaign Practices Act by throwing small promotional MyPillows (packaged with “Mike Lindell for Governor” branding) to spectators at the Delano Fourth of July parade. The complaint values the pillows around $35 each; Lindell says they cost under $5, are promotional mini-pillows with literature inside, that the campaign bought them from MyPillow at $4.50 each, and that the practice followed prior guidance and is legal (comparable to hats or shirts). An administrative law judge found a prima facie case and held a probable-cause hearing in early August; Lindell calls the complaint a “hit job” and expects it to be dismissed. No final ruling had been issued as of early August 5.
Lindell continues campaigning as an outsider focused on public safety, affordability, cutting waste, and issues such as the fentanyl crisis.
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.
— Mike Lindell (@realMikeLindell) August 4, 2026
Minnesota deserves my full attention, and that's exactly what I'm giving it. I'm all in, and I… pic.twitter.com/bqC10IWkSz