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Mike Lindell stepping down as MyPillow CEO to focus on Minnesota governor's race

From CBS News · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Mike Lindell is stepping down as CEO of MyPillow to concentrate on his campaign for Minnesota governor.
  • Lindell has also reduced his ownership stake in MyPillow to a minority but will remain on the company's Board of Directors.
  • His gubernatorial bid faces scrutiny over residency rules and campaign law allegations, with early voting for the August primary underway.

Mike Lindell, the founder of MyPillow, is stepping down as the company's CEO to fully commit to his campaign for governor of Minnesota. The announcement, made Tuesday, also revealed that Lindell has reduced his ownership stake in MyPillow to a minority share, though he will continue to serve on the company's Board of Directors.

After 22 years of leading MyPillow, I know the company is ready for its next chapter and I know Minnesota cannot wait.

โ€” Mike LindellExplaining his decision to step down as CEO.

Lindell, who established MyPillow in 2004, stated, "After 22 years of leading MyPillow, I know the company is ready for its next chapter and I know Minnesota cannot wait." He added, "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."

James Furlong, who previously served as MyPillow's director from 2004 to 2019, will assume the role of CEO. This leadership transition occurs as the Republican Party of Minnesota has raised questions with Secretary of State Steve Simon regarding Lindell's gubernatorial candidacy, specifically concerning constitutional residency rules. Lindell has vehemently denied these concerns, calling them "a lie" and "a hit job."

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.

โ€” Mike LindellElaborating on his motivations for focusing on the gubernatorial campaign.

Further complicating Lindell's campaign, he faces accusations of violating campaign laws for allegedly distributing pillows that promoted his candidacy during a July Fourth parade. Despite these challenges, Lindell was reportedly the leading Republican candidate according to a SurveyUSA/KSTP poll and recently received an endorsement from former President Trump. He is competing for the Republican nomination against Kendall Qualls and Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth. Early voting for the August 11 primary is currently in progress.

It's a lie. It's a hit job. He wants his darling, Lisa Demuth. That's who he wants, who they had handpicked by Alex.

โ€” Mike LindellResponding to concerns raised by the Republican Party of Minnesota about his residency.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CBS News. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.