Statement from Phillip C. Parrish, Candidate for Governor of Minnesota 2026
For Immediate Release
August 1, 2025
Contact: phillip@parrish4mn.com
Fellow Minnesotans,
As a retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander with 21 years of service in intelligence, counter-terrorism, and foreign policy, and as a dedicated educator, farmer, and whistleblower against government fraud, I have always stood for accountability, security, and the rule of law. Today, as your candidate for Governor in 2026, I am compelled to address the escalating reports of harassment and intimidation directed at the Minnesota Republican Party staff and offices. These incidents, occurring amid a politically charged atmosphere, threaten the safety of public servants and undermine the democratic process we all cherish. While I condemn any form of violence or unlawful behavior from any side, I call for a thorough, impartial investigation to ensure justice and prevent further division in our state.
Based on publicly available information, including social media posts, news reports, and official statements from the Republican Party of Minnesota dated August 1, 2025, a pattern of targeted protests and alleged property damage has emerged. These activities appear linked to organizations and individuals opposing Republican policies, particularly in the wake of tragic events like the June 14, 2025, assassination of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman. While protests are a protected right under the First Amendment, reports of actions crossing into harassment—such as intimidating gatherings outside Republican Party headquarters in Edina, placement of derogatory stickers on office doors (e.g., “GOP Fascists Fuck Off!”), and claims of vehicle vandalism including punctured tires—demand scrutiny.
Verifiable Details on Organizations and Activities
The following organizations have been identified through public records, social media, and event announcements as involved in or endorsing protests targeting Republican Party offices and rhetoric:
• MN50501: A decentralized activist group focused on “safeguarding democracy” through anti-authoritarian protests. It co-organized events like the “No Kings” rallies (planned for June 14-15, 2025, but largely canceled for safety reasons) and curates statewide activism calendars. Activities include symbolic demonstrations, such as calls for non-violent “count coup” actions (a historical reference to touching an “enemy” without harm), and promotion of anti-GOP messaging. Funding is grassroots, primarily from merchandise sales (e.g., T-shirts via their online store), with proceeds supporting events.
• Women’s March Minnesota: An intersectional advocacy group that co-organized the “No Kings” event in the Twin Cities, drawing thousands for issues like women’s rights and democracy protection. It has mobilized since 2017 and relies on donations through platforms like Givebutter for event funding.
• Indivisible Twin Cities: A local chapter of the national Indivisible network, involved in co-organizing “No Kings” and other rallies criticizing GOP policies. Nationally, Indivisible has praised progressive leaders, but local funding is volunteer-driven with general donations.
• Anti-War Committee (Minnesota): A volunteer-led group advocating divestment from Israel and anti-militarism, visible in protests with signs like “Divest MN from Apartheid Israel.” It is funded by small donor contributions through its 501(c)(3) Education Fund via GiveMN.
These groups collaborated on events such as the June 23, 2025, protest outside MNGOP headquarters, where participants held signs accusing “Republican rhetoric” of harm and chanted slogans. MNGOP officials, including Chairman Alex Plechash and Deputy Chair Donna Bergstrom, reported these as part of a “growing pattern of harassment,” including “hateful slurs,” “aggressive protests,” and property damage like punctured tires. However, independent reports confirm the protests were small (7-15 people) and non-violent, with no arrests documented. Claims of other incidents, such as attempts to pummel vehicles with watermelons, remain unsubstantiated.
Identified Individuals (Perpetrators Where Linked to Activities)
Publicly identifiable individuals associated with these activities, based on social media posts and protest documentation, include:
• Jeffrey AJ Gigler: A Minneapolis-based veteran and activist who posted on Facebook about “bonus points” for a symbolic “count coup” on the MN Republican Party chairman’s car, including a photo of himself in naval uniform holding a sign reading “Why are you harming Veterans?” He organized a “Veterans Against Trump March” on March 14, 2025, and has ties to MN50501 through event promotion.
• Jamie Palmquist: Referenced in social media replies encouraging protest actions (e.g., “Show them where the office door is!”), she is a St. Paul-based consultant involved in anti-Trump rallies and associated with groups like the Handmaids of MN.
Other protesters in documented images (e.g., a woman with an “OMG GOP WTF!” sign and drum, or groups with anti-Israel divestment signs) remain unidentified, as facial details are obscured and no names are publicly linked.
Links to Governor Tim Walz and the MNDFL
Connections to Governor Tim Walz and the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (MNDFL) are indirect and limited:
• Women’s March Minnesota and Indivisible Twin Cities invited Walz as a speaker for the “No Kings” event, aligning with shared themes of democracy protection.
• Nationally, Indivisible endorsed Walz’s 2024 VP role with Kamala Harris.
• The Anti-War Committee has protested against Walz, demanding divestment from Israel via the state board he chairs.
No evidence of direct funding, coordination, or endorsements from Walz or the MNDFL exists. These groups operate independently, with no ties to state resources or party apparatus.
Condemnation of Behaviors and Call to Action
I strongly condemn any actions that intimidate public servants or damage property, as they erode trust in our institutions and distract from real issues like the over $1 billion in fraud scandals under the current administration—including the $250 million Feeding Our Future case and recent FBI raids on Medicaid providers. Such behaviors, even if symbolic, contribute to a toxic environment that Minnesota families cannot afford.
Governor Walz’s rhetoric, including comparisons of federal agents to the “Gestapo” and calls for Democrats to “be a little meaner,” has been criticized as inflammatory and potentially exacerbating divisions. While no direct link ties his statements to these protests, leaders must model civility to de-escalate tensions.
I call on law enforcement authorities—including the FBI (@FBI), Minnesota Attorney General’s Office (@AGEllison), Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office (@HennepinSheriff), and Edina Police Department (@EdinaPoliceFire)—to investigate these reports thoroughly and take appropriate action if laws have been violated. If evidence supports charges for vandalism, harassment, or threats, those responsible must be held accountable to protect all Minnesotans’ right to engage in politics safely.
As your next Governor, I pledge to root out fraud, strengthen oversight, and foster unity. Join me at parrish4mn.com to support a safer, more accountable Minnesota.
Sincerely,
Phillip C. Parrish
Candidate for Governor of Minnesota 2026
Retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander
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