For Immediate Release
May 9, 2025
Statement from Phillip C. Parrish, Candidate for Governor of Minnesota 2026
Fellow Minnesotans,
It is with a heavy heart and a clear conscience that I address the recent statements made by Governor Tim Walz, which I find not only dishonest but deeply hypocritical. His attempt to paint a picture of fear and chaos, attributing it to others while ignoring his own record, is a disservice to the people of Minnesota.
Governor Walz’s claim that Donald Trump is ‘fully headed towards authoritarianism’ rings hollow when we consider his own actions during the COVID-19 pandemic. He imposed draconian lockdown measures, closed businesses, and even set up a snitch line to report citizens who dared to exercise their freedoms. This is not the behavior of a leader who respects individual liberties but rather one who seeks control under the guise of public safety.
Moreover, his handling of the George Floyd protests in 2020, where the National Guard was deployed in a manner that some argue was excessive, further exposes his hypocrisy. How can he accuse others of authoritarianism when his own administration has been criticized for similar tactics?
Let us not forget the serious allegations against Governor Walz himself—claims of sexual abuse and misuse of power against a foreign exchange student, which starkly contrast with his narrative of moral superiority. These are not mere rumors but reports that demand transparency and accountability, yet they have been conveniently ignored by those who benefit from his fear-mongering.
His retirement from the National Guard before his unit’s deployment to Iraq, a decision some label as avoiding duty, underscores a pattern of prioritizing personal convenience over responsibility. This is the same man who now lectures us on leadership and integrity.
Governor Walz’s interview on MSNBC is a calculated move to profit from fear, leveraging a platform known for its bias to influence public opinion. But Minnesotans are smarter than that. We see through the narratives of chaos he peddles, especially when his own record is marred by controversy and contradiction.
As your candidate for Governor in 2026, I pledge to lead with honesty, transparency, and a commitment to the values that make Minnesota great. We deserve better than fear for profit. We deserve a leader who embodies the principles of fairness and justice, not one who exploits division for political gain.
Thank you, and let us move forward together towards a Minnesota that we can all be proud of.
Sincerely,
Phillip C. Parrish
Candidate for Governor of Minnesota 2026
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