Mike Lindell, the face of MyPillow and its CEO for over two decades, announced Tuesday that he is stepping aside to run full-time for Minnesota governor. James Furlong, a former director of the company, will take over as CEO. Lindell retains a minority ownership stake and remains on the board, but the daily operations are no longer his focus. His statement says Minnesota deserves his full attention, and he’s giving it everything he has.
The timing is notable. The Minnesota primary is set for Tuesday, Aug. 11, and Lindell is facing allegations that he violated campaign laws by giving away pillows at a Fourth of July parade. That controversy adds a layer of uncertainty to an already high-stakes race. Meanwhile, Amy Klobuchar is expected to be the Democratic nominee, setting up a general election matchup that could draw national attention.
For Suncoast listeners, Lindell is a familiar voice from countless commercials. His move from boardroom to campaign trail is a big business story, but it’s also a human one. Leaving a company you built from scratch isn’t easy. Do you think a successful business person can make a good politician? Share your thoughts in the comments.
