Phillip C. Parrish, a retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander, was born in 1965 in Blue Earth, Minnesota, and now calls Kenyon, Minnesota, home. A seasoned executive administrator, analyst, leader, investigator, and community volunteer, Parrish has forged a remarkable career across military service, education, and public administration. His diverse experience and steadfast commitment to public service have positioned him as a compelling candidate for Governor of Minnesota in 2026.
Early Life and Education
Raised in Minnesota, Parrish cultivated his passions for education and music at Minnesota State University, Mankato. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Education (1984–1989), specializing in K-12 vocal and instrumental instruction, while excelling in football, basketball, swimming, band, choir, and theater. He later returned to the same institution, completing a Master of Science in Educational Leadership (2000–2001) and an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Administration (2001–2002), earning a K-12 principal license. His academic work, paired with his leadership in music and extracurriculars, laid a strong foundation for his multifaceted career.
Parrish’s military education further sharpened his skills, with training such as the NATO Staff Officer Orientation Course (2010), NATO Special Operations Forces Intelligence Course (2010), and numerous U.S. Navy intelligence and leadership programs (2006–2016). These credentials enhanced his civilian expertise, preparing him for roles requiring strategic insight and operational precision.
Military Service
Parrish served with distinction in the U.S. Navy Reserve for over two decades (1998–2019), achieving the rank of Lieutenant Commander. As an Intelligence Officer and Senior Analyst with the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) at Fort Bragg, North Carolina (2016–2017), he led all-source intelligence efforts targeting violent extremists in AFRICOM and CENTCOM regions. Earlier, as an Intelligence Specialist and Noncommissioned Officer (1998–2007), he drove counterterrorism operations, producing actionable intelligence and tracking detainee profiles.
His service garnered numerous honors, including the Joint Service Commendation Medal (2), Joint Service Achievement Medal (4), Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal (4), and the NATO ISAF Medal. In 2010, he earned the prestigious U.S. Navy Information Dominance Warfare Officer pin, underscoring his mastery of intelligence and command.
Professional Career
Parrish’s civilian career seamlessly blends education, administration, and technology. He started as a K-12 Music Teacher in Minnesota public schools (1989–2002), directing choirs, bands, and theater productions in districts like Albert Lea and Triton. From 2002 to 2008, he served as Principal and Director of Education at Gerard Academy in Austin, Minnesota, managing a $1.7-million budget and spearheading a $1.3-million building project for a treatment center supporting children with emotional and behavioral challenges.
Pivoting to technology and security, Parrish worked as a Systems Administrator for L-3 STRATIS (2012–2014) and Vykin Corporation (2014–2015) at RAF Molesworth, UK, supporting U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) with intelligence tools. He later led production teams at Foldcraft (2017–2018), streamlining complex manufacturing operations.
Since 2017, Parrish has been Executive Administrator at Divine Mercy Catholic Church and School in Faribault, Minnesota, overseeing a $4.3-million budget, human resources, facilities, fundraising, and a $15.7-million school expansion. Since 2023, he has also served as Gambling Manager, applying his leadership in a licensed role.
Community Engagement and Media Presence
A devoted volunteer, Parrish has enriched his community as a baptism instructor, music director, and children’s liturgy leader at St. Luke’s Catholic Church (2012–2016) and Divine Mercy Catholic Church (2023–present). Since 2022, he has been Executive Officer of the Twin Cities Squadron with the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, mentoring youth in leadership and discipline.
In 2017, Parrish launched Freedom Talk with Phil, a podcast initially tied to his gubernatorial campaign that has grown into a respected platform for news and political commentary. With over 10,000 Facebook followers and 9,000 on X, it reflects his dedication to transparency and exposing corruption.
Political Ambitions
Parrish first ran for Governor of Minnesota in 2018, championing private healthcare, tax relief, and pro-life policies. In December 2024, he announced his 2026 candidacy under “Parrish for Governor,” advocating servant leadership, support for the working poor, and a crackdown on white-collar crime and money laundering. His platform tackles poverty and homelessness while pledging to restore integrity to Minnesota’s government.
Personal Life and Creative Pursuits
A gifted musician, Parrish has written and performed gospel, jazz, rock, country, blues, and classical music for over three decades. His 2013 album, A Christmas Promise, and current project, Phillip C. Parrish Music Love and Life, highlight his talents as a singer-songwriter and former educator. Deeply tied to Minnesota, he resides in Kenyon and remains committed to his roots.
Legacy and Vision
Phillip C. Parrish embodies a rare blend of military discipline, educational leadership, and community service. With a career spanning intelligence analysis, school administration, and public advocacy, he brings a wealth of experience to his gubernatorial candidacy. As he campaigns for 2026, Parrish’s vision is clear: to lead with integrity, protect the vulnerable, and ensure Minnesota thrives under principled governance.
For more details, visit his campaign website at https://parrish4mn.com