Lindell quits MyPillow CEO post to run for governor
Mike Lindell resigned as MyPillow CEO on Aug. 4, 2026, reduced his stake to a minority and will remain on the company's board to focus on Minnesota's Republican gubernatorial primary.[1]
James Furlong, who was MyPillow president from 2004 to 2019, is returning as CEO, and Justin Butler will join the company as chief financial officer.[1] Lindell said he is leaving day-to-day control of the company to concentrate on his campaign.[1]
Lindell plans to focus on the Aug. 11 Republican primary, where he faces Kendall Qualls and Lisa Demuth after receiving an endorsement from former President Donald Trump.[1] The leadership change came shortly after a complaint alleged he violated Minnesota campaign law by handing out "Mike Lindell for Governor" pillows at a July 4 parade in Delano.[1]
The shake-up hands daily control to executives with prior company ties as Lindell shifts his time and resources toward the fast-moving primary.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- Mike Lindell resigned as MyPillow CEO on August 4, 2026, and reduced his stake to a minority ownership while staying on the board.
- James Furlong, MyPillow president from 2004–2019, is returning as CEO, and Justin Butler is joining as CFO.
- Lindell says he is leaving day-to-day control of the company to focus on the August 11 Republican gubernatorial primary, where he faces Kendall Qualls and Lisa Demuth, after being endorsed by President Donald Trump.
- The leadership change comes shortly after a complaint alleged Lindell violated Minnesota campaign law by giving away "Mike Lindell for Governor"-branded pillows at a July 4 parade in Delano.
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