By Phillip C. Parrish, LCDR USN (Ret.), Candidate for Governor of Minnesota 2026
As a candidate for Governor of Minnesota, I’ve spent countless hours traveling across our great state, listening to the stories of everyday people. Lately, in conversations with my closest trusted friends and the folks I meet on the campaign trail, a troubling pattern has emerged. Since mid-August 2025, there’s been a discernible rise in feelings of negativity, darkness, anger, and even evil permeating our communities. This isn’t just a vague sentiment—it’s manifesting in increased hostility and senseless acts of violence that leave us all reeling. I’ve heard from so many who feel it too, but they hesitate to speak up, fearing they’ll be marginalized or dismissed as overly sensitive. If that’s you, know this: you’re not alone. These feelings are real, and they’re shared by more people than you might think.
Take, for instance, the heartbreaking tragedy at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. On August 27, 2025—just as the school year was beginning—a mass shooting claimed the lives of two young children, 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and another unidentified victim, while injuring 17 others. The school was forced to shut down temporarily in the aftermath, with classes resuming only gradually, starting with preschool on September 9. The FBI is investigating this as an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics, underscoring the deep-seated animosity bubbling to the surface. This incident didn’t happen in isolation; it’s part of a broader spike in senseless violence across Minnesota. From a stabbing murder in Minneapolis that left a community in shock to a fatal shooting in St. Paul amid rising tensions , and even increased reports of road rage turning deadly , the data and stories paint a picture of a state grappling with an amplified wave of anger.
I’ve long believed that such patterns of negativity naturally ebb and flow in society, influenced by cycles of human emotion and external pressures. But right now, contributing factors are amplifying this spike to dangerous levels. Political instability and decades of misinformation have eroded trust in institutions people once held sacred. Economic hardships, from rising costs to job insecurity, fuel frustration that boils over into rage. Social media and technology exacerbate divisions, spreading negativity at lightning speed and isolating us in echo chambers of anger. Mental health challenges, compounded by trauma from events like the pandemic and ongoing social unrest, play a significant role too. And let’s not overlook the spiritual void: In our rush to idolize flawed people and broken systems, we’ve turned away from the divine—our Creator and Savior, Jesus Christ—leaving a vacuum that darkness eagerly fills.
Yet, amid this storm, there’s a silver lining I’m witnessing firsthand. As I speak at events across Minnesota, I’m seeing new faces—people who have never been politically engaged before. Their worldviews are cracking under the weight of exposed lies they’ve been fed for decades, if not their entire lives. Institutions they trusted as benevolent have been revealed as unethical and self-serving. But these awakening souls aren’t crumbling; they’re rising with resilience. They’re angry, yes, but in a healthy way—channeling that energy into learning, growth, and a eagerness to understand what went wrong and how to fix it. They’re embracing the paradigm shift, turning toward truth and community rather than away from it.
What concerns me—and many others—is the other side of this awakening. Not everyone is handling the unraveling with grace. Some are doubling or tripling down on unhealthy behaviors, lashing out in ways that premeditate harm. We’ve seen this in the uptick of domestic violence reports in Minnesota this summer , where personal frustrations erupt into family tragedies, or in community clashes that escalate from words to violence . Then there’s a smaller but insidious group: those who knowingly perpetuate the lies and deceptions for power and control. They fan the flames of division, exploiting the chaos to maintain their grip, even as the truth emerges.
I believe we’re in for some stormy months ahead. Those with true ill intent will escalate their efforts, and those who are truly ill—trapped in violent ruminations—may act out in ways that shake us further. But remember, you’re not alone in sensing this darkness or in your journey through it. If you’re one of the many awakening to these realities, take heart in the fact that thousands across Minnesota are right there with you. Weather this by leaning on your faith, seeking community, and embracing resilience. Turn to the divine for guidance, as we’ve too often ignored our Creator in favor of false idols. Together, we can move forward—not with blind optimism, but with a grounded hope rooted in truth and mutual support.
In the end, Minnesota’s strength lies in its people. Let’s reject the negativity, hold fast to our values, and build a future where light overcomes the darkness. If you’re feeling this shift, reach out, speak up, and know that change starts with us.
With unwavering dedication,
Phillip
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