Statement from Phillip C. Parrish, Candidate for Governor of Minnesota 2026
April 2025
As a father, a veteran, and a candidate for Governor of Minnesota in 2026, I stand firmly on the principle that parental rights are sacred and must always take precedence over the overreach of school districts and state bureaucracies like the Department of Education. Parents—not administrators, not politicians—know what is best for their children, and they deserve the authority to shape their education in a way that aligns with their family’s values.
I am deeply troubled by the Minnesota DFL Party’s recent rhetoric surrounding the St. Francis Area Schools library policy. Their claim that this policy constitutes a “book ban” is a half-truth that misleads the public and harms the honest discussion Minnesotans deserve. The reality is that no books are being banned—they remain available in public libraries and bookstores across the state. What the St. Francis policy does is empower parents to ensure that materials in school libraries are age-appropriate and reflect the values of their community. This is not censorship; it is common sense.
The DFL’s narrative, exemplified by their April 17, 2025, post on X, paints a distorted picture by comparing Minnesota to states like Florida while ignoring the nuances of this policy. By framing it as a “ban,” they inflame division and obscure the truth: this is about protecting our children from content that many parents, myself included, find inappropriate for a school setting. Books like The Bluest Eye and The Kite Runner, while possibly valuable in some contexts, contain mature themes—sexual violence, explicit language—that are not suitable for all students. Parents have a right to decide what their children are exposed to in schools, and they should not be vilified for exercising that right.
The 2024 Minnesota law, championed by the DFL, claims to protect access to literature but conveniently sidesteps the rights of parents to opt their children out of certain materials—a provision that should be the cornerstone of any educational policy. Instead, the DFL prioritizes a one-size-fits-all approach, undermining the very families they claim to represent. This is not leadership; it is arrogance.
As your next Governor, I will champion parental rights above all else. I will work to ensure that school districts across Minnesota implement policies that respect the voices of parents, not just the agendas of bureaucrats or political parties. I will fight for transparency in education, so parents have full visibility into the materials their children encounter. And I will hold accountable those who distort the truth for political gain, because Minnesotans deserve better than half the story.
The St. Francis policy is a step in the right direction—a model for empowering parents while still ensuring access to literature outside of school settings. It’s time for the DFL to stop fearmongering and start listening to the families they serve. Together, we can build an education system that puts parents first, protects our children, and fosters a future where every voice is heard.
Phillip C. Parrish
Candidate for Governor of Minnesota, 2026