Statement from Phillip C. Parrish, Candidate for Governor of Minnesota
To Minnesota’s young adults turning 18 now and in the lead-up to the 2026 election, I want you to hear this clearly: I see you, I believe in you, and I know you are capable of greatness. As a military veteran, longtime educator, and your candidate for Governor, I am deeply troubled by the systemic barriers that are stifling your independence and potential. My expectations for you are high, and I am committed to dismantling the progressive ideologies that have weakened our young people, contributed to rising mental health challenges, and fueled substance abuse. It’s time for a new approach—one that empowers you to thrive as independent, resilient adults.
At 18, you are entrusted with profound responsibilities: voting to shape our state and nation, enlisting to defend our freedoms, and making life-altering decisions like marriage or entering contracts. These are the hallmarks of adulthood, yet our system increasingly treats you as incapable, delaying your independence and undermining your confidence. Over the past few decades, progressive policies have eroded the autonomy of young adults, replacing self-reliance with overregulation, dependency, and a culture of victimhood. This is not the Minnesota way, and it’s failing you.
As an educator, I’ve seen how young people rise to meet high expectations when given trust and responsibility. But progressive ideologies have shifted focus from empowerment to coddling, creating environments where you’re shielded from challenges rather than encouraged to overcome them. Schools prioritize safe spaces over tough conversations, and bureaucracies impose restrictions that limit your ability to take risks and grow. A 2023 CDC report found that 42% of high school students experienced persistent sadness or hopelessness, a sharp rise linked to declining agency and social pressures. Mental health crises among young adults are surging, with anxiety and depression rates climbing—partly because you’re told you’re fragile rather than capable.
These same systemic failures have fueled substance abuse. Progressive policies that decriminalize drugs without robust prevention or rehabilitation programs have left communities vulnerable. In Minnesota, opioid overdoses have spiked, with over 1,200 deaths reported in 2022 alone. Young adults, grappling with a lack of purpose and independence, are disproportionately affected. Instead of offering pathways to strength and self-reliance, the system traps you in cycles of dependency, whether on substances or government programs that disincentivize personal responsibility.
The Constitution, particularly the 26th Amendment, affirms that 18-year-olds are adults with the judgment to shape our democracy. Yet, progressive ideologies contradict this by fostering a culture that delays adulthood—keeping you in prolonged adolescence through overprotective policies and economic barriers like skyrocketing tuition and housing costs. As a veteran, I know that young adults thrive under discipline and high standards, not hand-holding. You deserve a system that equips you to stand on your own, not one that weakens you with low expectations.
As Governor, I will champion policies that restore your independence. This means reforming education to prioritize critical thinking, resilience, and practical skills over ideological conformity. It means tackling the mental health crisis with access to real support—counseling and community programs, not just prescriptions. It means fighting substance abuse with prevention, treatment, and opportunities for meaningful work that give you purpose. And it means breaking down economic barriers so you can afford to build a life without being crushed by debt or bureaucracy.
To every 18-year-old in Minnesota, your potential is limitless, and I’m running to ensure you have the freedom to realize it. In 2026, I urge you to vote, to engage, and to demand a state that believes in your strength. Together, we can reject the failures of progressive ideologies and build a Minnesota where young adults are trusted, empowered, and ready to lead. My expectations for you are high because I know you can meet them. Let’s get to work.
With unwavering belief in you,
Phillip C. Parrish
Candidate for Governor of Minnesota
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