Dear Minnesotans,
As I stand before you as a candidate for Governor in 2026, I want to be clear: this campaign isn’t about left versus right, red versus blue, or any of the divisive gang warfare tactics that have plagued our politics for too long. It’s about right versus wrong. It’s about restoring integrity, transparency, and common sense to our state government. Over the past months, I’ve traveled across every corner of Minnesota—from the bustling streets of the Twin Cities to the quiet farms of Greater Minnesota, from the Iron Range to the southern prairies—and what I’ve heard resonates deeply. The overwhelming majority of you no longer care about rigid party structures or the endless noise from political elites. You want someone you can depend on to tell the truth, someone who cuts through the propaganda and fights relentlessly for the hardworking poor and middle class who’ve built this state but are too often left behind.
My journey to this moment has been shaped by a lifetime of service. As a retired Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy with 21 years in intelligence, counter-terrorism, and foreign policy, I’ve dedicated my career to protecting our nation and uncovering truths in the face of deception. Here in Minnesota, I’ve blown the whistle on daycare fraud and government waste, exposing how taxpayer dollars are squandered while families struggle. These experiences have forged my unwavering commitment to accountability and servant leadership. I’m not a career politician; I’m a leader who understands that true power lies in serving the people, not enriching the elite.
On my website, parrish4mn.com, I’ve laid out a clear platform focused on rebuilding Minnesota with decency and innovation. At its core is a dedication to the common good—promoting unity over division and ensuring that government works for everyone, not just the well-connected. We must prioritize personal responsibility over government dependency, empowering communities to drive solutions while the state provides essential safety and security. Integrity in leadership means rejecting hypocrites who preach virtue but practice self-interest, and it means discerning agendas that harm the vulnerable under the guise of progress.
Key priorities in my vision for Minnesota include:
• Combating Fraud and Ensuring Transparency: I’ve seen firsthand how corruption erodes trust. As Governor, I’ll root out waste in state programs, from childcare to public assistance, and mandate full accountability for every dollar spent. No more scandals like the ones we’ve endured—it’s time to protect taxpayers and direct resources where they’re needed most.
• Economic Empowerment for the Hardworking Majority: The hardworking poor and middle class are the backbone of Minnesota, yet they’re burdened by high taxes and regulations that stifle growth. I’ll work to cut state income and sales taxes, streamline bureaucracy to reduce redundant agencies, and foster an environment where small businesses thrive. This isn’t about handouts; it’s about creating opportunities so families can succeed on their own terms.
• Public Safety and Community Security: Crime and safety concerns affect us all, regardless of zip code. We’ll reform our approach to public safety by supporting law enforcement, addressing root causes like mental health and addiction, and ensuring swift justice. No more policies that prioritize ideology over the well-being of our neighborhoods.
• Education and Healthcare Reform: Every child deserves a quality education free from political indoctrination, and every family needs accessible healthcare without endless red tape. I’ll empower local solutions, reduce government overreach in schools, and innovate to make healthcare affordable and efficient, focusing on prevention and community-based care.
• Infrastructure and Environmental Stewardship: Rebuilding our roads, bridges, and energy systems must be done with efficiency and respect for our natural resources. We’ll cut through bureaucratic delays to invest wisely, supporting rural and urban areas alike while promoting sustainable practices that benefit all Minnesotans.
These aren’t partisan talking points; they’re practical steps grounded in right versus wrong. As I’ve shared in my statements and across social media, it’s time to confront the tough questions: How long will we allow leaders to prioritize their interests over our jobs, safety, and families? How can we rebuild if we don’t first eliminate the elitism that manipulates our votes and silences our voices?
Minnesotans, this movement is about you—the farmers, teachers, factory workers, and small business owners who keep this state running. You’ve told me you’re tired of the propaganda, the broken promises, and the feeling that government is against you. I hear you, and I’m here to fight alongside you. Together, we can restore Minnesota to a place of prosperity, fairness, and truth.
If you’re ready for real change, join me at parrish4mn.com to learn more, volunteer, or contribute. Let’s turn the page on division and build a brighter future for all.
Sincerely,
Phillip C. Parrish
Candidate for Governor of Minnesota, 2026
LCDR, USN (Ret.)
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