MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell is stepping down from his company to focus on the final stretch of his campaign in the Republican primary for Minnesota governor.
The gubernatorial candidate announced his decision on Tuesday, one week away from the Aug. 11 primary election.
“After 22 years of leading MyPillow, I know the company is ready for its next chapter and I know Minnesota cannot wait,” he said in a statement. “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.”
In addition to leaving his role, Lindell is reducing his ownership of MyPillow to a minority stake. The former executive will remain a member of the Board of Directors and a shareholder in the company, which he founded in 2004.
James Furlong, who was MyPillow’s president from 2004 to 2019, is filling Lindell’s position.
“Real leadership means knowing when to lead, when to trust your team, and when to put a larger calling first,” Lindell said. “I trust Jim and the Board to protect our employees, our customers, and our Minnesota roots. My focus now is clear which is to listen to Minnesotans, earn their trust, and work every day to become a governor worthy of our state.”
The decision to step away from his business underscores his confidence in the odds of his primary victory next week.
Endorsed by President Donald Trump, Lindell is one of the top contenders in the race. The others are Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth and millionaire businessman Kendall Qualls.
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In some of the latest polls, Lindell leads the competition by single digits. Demuth is close behind, and Qualls remains at a distant third. If the polling accurately reflects the voting results, Lindell could become the Republican nominee for Minnesota governor.
Regardless of the outcome, early analysis indicates Lindell would likely lose to Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) in the general election. Klobuchar leads Lindell by nearly 20 percentage points, according to the RealClearPolitics polling average. Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN), who has served two terms, is leaving office at the start of next year.