Statement on Judicial Accountability by Phillip C. Parrish, Candidate for Governor of Minnesota 2026
As a servant leader committed to transparency, integrity, and protecting the innocent, I, Phillip C. Parrish, candidate for Governor of Minnesota in 2026, pledge to restore judicial accountability to our state’s courts. Minnesota’s judiciary must serve the people, uphold the Constitution, and face scrutiny for misconduct—without compromising the independence that ensures impartial justice. My administration will leverage the full authority of the Governor’s office to enact bold, legally grounded reforms, ensuring judges are accountable to the law and the citizens they serve.
Judicial accountability means judges adhere to constitutional and statutory standards, their processes are transparent, and they face consequences for unethical or unconstitutional actions. Minnesota’s current system—where the Supreme Court self-regulates ethics and discipline, and incumbent judges enjoy electoral advantages—too often shields judges from scrutiny. This undermines public trust and enables abuses of power. As Governor, I will use my constitutional and statutory powers to fix this, aligning our judiciary with the principles of fairness and Originalist interpretation that respect the people’s will.
First, I will oppose the proposed Retention Amendment, which would replace competitive judicial elections with an unaccountable retention system. Under Article V, Section 5 of the Minnesota Constitution, I will veto any legislation advancing this amendment and rally Minnesotans to reject it in a referendum. Elections, as mandated by Article VI, Section 7, are the people’s tool to hold judges accountable, and I will fight to preserve this right.
Second, I will sign legislation removing the “Incumbent” label from judicial ballots (Minn. Stat. § 204B.35), leveling the playing field for challengers and empowering voters to choose based on merit, not artificial advantages. My administration will direct the Secretary of State to implement neutral ballot formats, ensuring fair elections that reflect my commitment to ending systemic fraud.
Third, I will support a legislative commission to handle appeals from the Judicial Standards Board, as authorized by Article VI, Section 9. This will end the Supreme Court’s conflicted oversight of judicial discipline (Minn. Stat. § 490A.01). As Governor, I will sign such legislation, appoint independent commission members (Minn. Const. Art. V, Sec. 6), and ensure transparent processes, protecting the innocent from judicial misconduct.
Fourth, when filling judicial vacancies under Article VI, Section 8, I will appoint interim judges who publicly pledge not to run in the next election, preserving competitive races. These appointees will be Originalists, dedicated to interpreting the Constitution as written, ensuring accountability to the law, not activist agendas. I will issue executive orders formalizing this non-candidacy pledge, reinforcing voter choice.
Fifth, I will sign legislation mandating video cameras in courtrooms (amending Minn. Gen. R. Prac. 4), requiring judges’ signatures on rulings, and making appellate transcripts and administrative documents public (Minn. Stat. §§ 546.27, 13.03). These transparency measures, enforceable through executive directives, will expose misconduct and align with my pledge to end white-collar crime.
Sixth, I will champion a statutory code of ethics for judges, enacted by the Legislature, to replace the Supreme Court’s self-regulated code (Minn. Code of Judicial Conduct). I will also support statutory limits on gifts to judges, signing bills to enforce these standards and using my veto power to reject weak reforms (Minn. Const. Art. V, Sec. 5). This ensures judges are accountable to the people, not special interests.
Seventh, I will sign legislation transferring attorney licensing from the Supreme Court to a neutral agency, such as the Commerce Department or Secretary of State (amending Minn. Stat. § 481.01), reducing conflicts of interest. My administration will oversee this transition, ensuring impartial regulation.
Eighth, I will advocate for legislation aligning judicial retirements with election cycles (amending Minn. Stat. § 490.121), creating open seats rather than gubernatorial vacancies. This reform, which I will sign into law, empowers voters to select judges, not Governors to entrench allies.
Finally, I will use my public platform to support Originalist judicial candidates and call out judges who issue unconstitutional rulings. By campaigning at rallies, the State Fair, and other events, I will educate Minnesotans on the importance of judicial accountability, amplifying conservative voices and ensuring our courts uphold the rule of law.
As Governor, I will use my appointment power, veto authority, legislative influence, and public voice to enact these reforms, all rooted in the Minnesota Constitution and statutes. My administration will restore a judiciary that serves the people, protects freedoms, and operates with unflinching transparency. Together, we will end fraud, rebuild trust, and ensure Minnesota’s courts reflect the values of our constitutional republic.
Phillip C. Parrish
Candidate for Governor of Minnesota 2026
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