Statement from Phillip C. Parrish, Candidate for Governor of Minnesota
For immediate release.
April 24, 2025
As a proud Minnesotan and candidate for Governor, I am deeply troubled by the recent revelations surrounding ActBlue, the Democrats’ fundraising arm, and its ties to Governor Tim Walz and the Minnesota DFL party. The allegations of widespread criminal identity theft, fraudulent donations, and potential foreign contributions—currently under investigation by Republican officials and highlighted by prominent voices like Elon Musk—strike at the heart of our democratic process. Minnesotans deserve better than a governor and a party complicit in a system that undermines the integrity of our elections.
For years, Tim Walz and the Minnesota DFL have relied on ActBlue to fund their campaigns, raising millions through a platform now accused of enabling fraud. Reports of unauthorized donations, such as those made in the name of unsuspecting citizens like Matt Van Swol, reveal a disturbing pattern of exploitation. Even more alarming are the indications of foreign money infiltrating our elections through ActBlue, a direct threat to our sovereignty and the values we hold dear in Minnesota. As someone who has served our nation in the U.S. military, tracking dangerous threats abroad, I cannot stand by while foreign interests potentially influence our state’s leadership through illicit means.
Governor Walz’s track record on oversight is already marred by scandals like Feeding Our Future, where $250 million in federal funds were misappropriated under his watch. His failure to act decisively on ActBlue’s alleged misconduct further demonstrates a lack of accountability and leadership. The Minnesota DFL’s silence on this matter is equally telling—they appear more interested in protecting their fundraising machine than protecting the trust of the people they claim to represent.
If elected Governor, I pledge to take immediate and decisive action to address these issues:
1. Launch a State-Level Investigation into ActBlue’s Activities in Minnesota: I will work with our Attorney General to thoroughly investigate ActBlue’s operations within our state, ensuring that any fraudulent or foreign contributions are identified and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
2. Ban Foreign Influence in Minnesota Elections: Building on my campaign promise to eliminate programs that promote foreign government interests, I will push for legislation that strengthens safeguards against foreign donations, closing loopholes that platforms like ActBlue may exploit.
3. Enhance Transparency in Campaign Finance: I will advocate for reforms that require all political fundraising platforms operating in Minnesota to implement rigorous fraud prevention measures, including mandatory identity verification for donors, to prevent the kind of identity theft ActBlue is accused of enabling.
4. Hold Tim Walz and the Minnesota DFL Accountable: I will demand that Governor Walz and the DFL publicly disclose all funds they have received through ActBlue since 2020 and cooperate fully with ongoing investigations. Minnesotans have a right to know if their governor and his party have benefited from fraudulent or illicit contributions.
5. Protect Minnesota Voters: My administration will prioritize educating and empowering citizens to monitor their own financial records for unauthorized political donations, ensuring that no Minnesotan falls victim to identity theft at the hands of political operatives.
The people of Minnesota deserve a governor who fights for integrity, not one who turns a blind eye to corruption. As a former educator and military reservist who responded to the events of 9/11 by serving our country, I have spent my life standing up for what is right. I will not allow our state’s elections to be tainted by fraud or foreign interference. It’s time for Tim Walz and the Minnesota DFL to answer for their reliance on ActBlue—and it’s time for a new leader who will put Minnesota first.
For more information on my campaign and priorities, visit Parrish4mn.com or follow me on Twitter at @phillipcparrish.
Phillip C. Parrish
Republican Candidate for Governor of Minnesota
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