Statement from Phillip C. Parrish, Candidate for Governor of Minnesota 2026
Fellow Minnesotans,
As your candidate for Governor in 2026, I stand unequivocally in support of SF 696, the constitutional amendment to establish a “One County One Senator” model for our state Senate. This bold and necessary legislation represents a critical step toward restoring the balance and integrity of our government, aligning it with the timeless principles of the constitutional republic envisioned by our Founding Fathers. On this day, Thursday, June 26, 2025, I call upon every Minnesotan to join me in championing this cause as we prepare for the 2026 general election.
The current structure of our state legislature, with both the House and Senate apportioned by population, has drifted far from the bicameral design that has served our nation so well. The U.S. Constitution established a House of Representatives based on population and a Senate with equal representation for each state, ensuring that smaller communities are not silenced by the sheer numbers of urban centers. SF 696 seeks to bring this wisdom home to Minnesota by granting each of our 87 counties one senator, while preserving the House as a population-based chamber. This is not merely a reform—it is a return to the foundational balance that protects every corner of our state, from the rural plains of Traverse County to the bustling streets of Hennepin County.
Why We Must Support SF 696
1. Restoring Fair Representation: For too long, rural Minnesotans have felt their voices drowned out by the dominance of urban districts. With SF 696, every county—regardless of population—will have an equal say in the Senate. This ensures that the concerns of our farmers, small business owners, and rural families are heard alongside those of our urban neighbors, fostering a government that truly represents all 5.7 million of us.
2. Honoring the Founders’ Intent: The Founding Fathers designed a bicameral legislature to prevent the tyranny of the majority and protect minority interests. James Madison and Thomas Jefferson understood that equal geographic representation in the Senate was essential to a stable republic. SF 696 mirrors this model, giving our Senate the deliberative role it was meant to play, while the House remains responsive to population shifts—restoring the checks and balances that have been eroded by decades of judicial overreach and political expediency.
3. Ending Gerrymandering: The current district-based system allows politicians to draw lines that favor their parties, often splitting communities and diluting local voices. By aligning Senate districts with county boundaries, SF 696 eliminates this manipulation, ensuring fair and predictable representation that reflects the natural geography of our state.
4. Promoting Unity and Stability: Minnesota’s rapid urbanization has created a divide between rural and urban interests, fueling frustration and division. SF 696 bridges this gap by giving every county a seat at the table, encouraging collaboration rather than competition. This unity will strengthen our state as we tackle challenges like infrastructure, agriculture, and economic growth.
5. Legal and Historical Precedent: While some may question the constitutionality of this change under modern court rulings like Reynolds v. Sims (1964), I believe we can defend it as a legitimate exercise of state sovereignty, much like the U.S. Senate’s structure. Historically, early Minnesota legislatures leaned toward county-based representation, and this amendment seeks to reclaim that heritage, adapting it to our modern context with a public vote in 2026.
My Commitment as Governor
If elected in 2026, I pledge to champion SF 696 with every resource at my disposal. I will work tirelessly with the Legislature to ensure its passage, advocate for its approval by the voters, and defend its principles against any legal challenges. This is not just a policy—it is a movement to reclaim the soul of our bicameral governance, ensuring that every Minnesotan, from the smallest township to the largest city, has a voice in our future.
I urge you to support SF 696 and to join me in building a Minnesota that honors its constitutional roots while meeting the needs of today. Together, we can restore balance, fairness, and pride to our great state.
For a stronger, united Minnesota,
Phillip C. Parrish
Candidate for Governor, 2026
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