Statement from Phillip C. Parrish, Candidate for Governor of Minnesota 2026
For Immediate Release: July 5, 2025
Fellow Minnesotans,
As your candidate for Governor in 2026, I pledge to restore Minnesota’s rightful state flag to its proper place on day one of my administration. The classic flag, with its white and blue fields, state seal, and moccasin flowers, is a proud symbol of our shared history, values, and identity. Its replacement under Governor Tim Walz’s administration was not only a betrayal of our heritage but a violation of the people’s trust and legal principles. I will take swift, decisive, and lawful action to return the proper Minnesota flag to all aspects of our state’s governance, ensuring the people’s voice is heard loud and clear.
My Commitment to Restore the Flag
On my first day as governor, I will issue an executive order directing all state agencies to reinstate the prior flag (adopted in 1957 and modified in 1983) for ceremonial and official use, pending legislative action to codify its restoration. This order will apply to state buildings, public events, and official documents, signaling an immediate return to our cherished symbol. Simultaneously, I will introduce legislation to the Minnesota Legislature to permanently restore the prior flag, or the 1893 design if preferred by the public, as the official state flag under Minnesota Statutes, Section 1.141.
To ensure the people’s voice is heard, I will advocate for a statewide referendum, allowing Minnesotans to vote on whether to restore the 1957 flag, adopt the 1893 design, or retain the current one. Unlike the Walz administration’s closed-door process, my administration will prioritize transparency and public input. I will also establish a Minnesota Heritage Task Force, composed of diverse citizens, historians, and vexillologists, to review the flag’s history and recommend ways to honor our past while uniting all Minnesotans.
Violations of Law and Trust by the Walz Administration
The process by which Governor Walz and his administration replaced Minnesota’s flag was marked by legal overreach, lack of transparency, and disregard for public will. Below, I outline specific violations of law and trust:
1. Bypassing Public Consent: The State Emblems Redesign Commission (SERC), established in 2023 under Laws of Minnesota, Chapter 62, Article 2, Section 118, was tasked with proposing a new flag design. However, the process excluded meaningful public participation. Despite receiving over 2,000 design submissions, the SERC, with only 13 members—three appointed by Walz—made the final decision without a public vote. A 2023 poll showed 49% of Minnesotans wanted to keep the old flag, yet the Walz administration ignored this sentiment, violating the spirit of democratic governance.
2. Misleading Legislative Authority: The legislation creating the SERC stipulated that the new flag would take effect on May 11, 2024, unless the Legislature voted to reject it. This structure placed an undue burden on legislators to act against the commission’s decision, effectively sidelining the Legislature’s role in representing the public. By signing this bill, Walz facilitated a process that circumvented the checks and balances inherent in Minnesota’s legislative framework, undermining the separation of powers.
3. Cultural Erasure and Insensitivity: The Walz administration justified the flag change by claiming the prior flag’s imagery—a farmer plowing and a Native American on horseback—was offensive. However, this narrative dismissed the views of many Minnesotans, including some Native Americans like retired Marine Lt. Col. Donna Bergstrom, who saw the flag as honoring indigenous contributions. By rushing the redesign without broad consultation, Walz erased a symbol of Minnesota’s complex history, violating the trust of communities who valued its historical significance.
4. Misrepresentation of the New Flag’s Origins: Critics, including Republican lawmakers, noted the new flag’s resemblance to the flags of Somalia or Puntland, raising concerns about pandering to specific communities. While the SERC and designer Andrew Prekker denied these claims, the lack of transparency in the design process fueled distrust. Walz’s failure to address these concerns or clarify the flag’s symbolism deepened public skepticism, further eroding trust in his administration.
5. Violation of Statutory Intent: Minnesota Statutes require state emblems to “accurately and respectfully reflect Minnesota’s shared history, resources, and diverse cultural communities.” The rushed SERC process, which prioritized a minimalist design over historical continuity, arguably failed to meet this standard. By endorsing a flag that many Minnesotans felt did not represent their heritage, Walz’s administration disregarded the law’s intent to unify and honor all communities.
Restoring Trust and Unity
The Walz administration’s handling of the flag redesign was a top-down imposition that silenced Minnesotans and dismissed our state’s proud legacy. As governor, I will restore trust by:
• Holding Public Forums: My administration will host town halls across Minnesota to gather input on the flag, ensuring rural, urban, and tribal voices are heard.
• Ensuring Legal Compliance: All actions to restore the flag will adhere to Minnesota Statutes and involve the Legislature, respecting the rule of law.
• Promoting Unity: The restored flag will serve as a symbol of our shared identity, celebrating Minnesota’s history while fostering inclusivity through open dialogue.
A Call to Action
Minnesotans, our state flag is more than a piece of cloth—it’s a testament to our resilience, diversity, and shared journey. I stand with you to reclaim our heritage and restore the flag that has flown over our state for generations. Together, we will ensure that no administration can erase our history or silence our voices. Join me in this fight for Minnesota’s soul. Visit parrish4mn.com to support our campaign and make your voice heard.
For Minnesota’s future,
Phillip C. Parrish
Candidate for Governor of Minnesota 2026
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