Published on October 16, 2025, by Phillip C. Parrish, Republican Candidate for Governor
I recently received a compelling email from retired Senator Al DeKruif, a fellow Republican with a distinguished record—serving in the Minnesota State Senate, chairing the LeSueur County Republicans for eight years, and running two successful businesses for over three decades. As a father, grandfather, and leader with deep roots in our state, his call to action resonates. He’s tired of candidates spending too much time criticizing rather than boldly outlining solutions to reclaim Minnesota from Tim Walz and one-party Democrat rule. His message? We need a bolder vision, and I couldn’t agree more.
As a 2026 gubernatorial candidate, with my background as a Naval Intelligence Officer, teacher, principal, and dedicated family man, I’m ready to lead with that vision. Senator DeKruif’s ideas align perfectly with my commitment to end fraud, protect the innocent, and deliver practical solutions. His email isn’t just a wishlist—it’s a roadmap I’m building on with specifics from my experience. Together, we can carry these headlines and save Minnesota. Below, I respond to his key points, enriched with my platform and insights from my recent articles.
A. Workforce
1. Eliminate State Income Tax on Overtime: Hardworking Minnesotans shouldn’t be penalized for extra hours. Minnesota’s 9.85% overtime tax hits blue-collar workers hardest, despite federal relief in 2025. I’ll push to exempt it fully, boosting productivity and putting money back in pockets.
2. Eliminate State Income Tax on Tips: Servers and gig workers in places like the Iron Range deserve better—tips are double-taxed under current law. This exemption will honor their labor and boost tourism.
B. Education
Democrat overrule has turned our schools into bureaucratic mazes, with Minnesota dropping to 19th in national rankings, math and reading lagging pre-pandemic levels. We need accountability.
1. Do Away with Democrat Overrule—Replace with Basics: I’ll end the failed testing regime, focusing on reading, math, and civics. As a former teacher and principal, I know local control works—let’s empower parents and educators, not St. Paul.
2. Eliminate Unnecessary School Mandates: I’ll audit and cut red tape, redirecting funds to smaller classes and vocational training.
3. Measure Teacher Effectiveness: Transparent evaluations tied to outcomes—raises for top performers, support for others.
4. Education Dollars Follow the Child: I’ll ensure funds follow students to public or private schools, giving parents choice and driving competition.
5. Ban Men from Women’s Sports: Protecting Title IX is non-negotiable—I’ll enforce policies to safeguard girls’ sports and root out fraud.
6. Stop Gender Affirming in Schools: We’ll focus on facts, not divisive ideologies.
C. Children
1. Cut Childcare Regulations, Promote In-Home Daycares: As a whistleblower who exposed fraud, I know these regs hurt families. I’ll slash them to support affordable, local options.
D. Energy
1. Lift Nuclear Ban, Promote SMRs: Minnesota’s outdated moratorium blocks clean, reliable power. I’ll fast-track Small Modular Reactors, creating jobs and powering our future.
E. Business
1. Streamline Regulations, Lower Permit Costs: Permitting delays rival California’s—I’ll cut them to days, slash costs by 50%, and launch a $100M venture fund.
2. End Paid Family Leave Agency: The $122M DEED boondoggle launches in 2026—I’ll defund it, offering private insurance options.
F. Government
1. Create Minnesota Integrity Task Force: Modeled on DOGE, I’ll audit agencies and recover billions in waste, like overbilling in contracts.
2. Ban Gender Affirming Surgery for Minors: I’ll end state funding, prioritizing mental health.
G. Seniors
1. Cut Nursing Home Regulations: Overregulation causes shortages—I’ll focus on care and fraud prevention.
H. Security
1. Fund 1,000 More Officers: Back the blue with swift justice.
2. Stop China’s Business Ownership: Walz’s CCP ties threaten us—I’ll ban adversarial ownership.
3. Contrast Walz’s China Policy: I’ll prioritize American interests.
4. Support ICE: No sanctuary—secure borders matter.
Senator DeKruif’s funding plan—axing the Paid Leave agency and rooting out $2B+ in fraud—will cover these cuts, building a leaner state. His fire is what we need. Let’s team up at an event to beat Walz and build Minnesota’s future.
In service,
Phillip C. Parrish
Republican Candidate for Governor
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