By Phillip Parrish
Park Rapids, MN – October 15, 2025
Last night, October 14, 2025, I stood before nearly 90 grassroots Republicans at the Hubbard County BPOU meeting and shared a bold plan to end the Minnesota Republican cycle of division. The energy in that room was electric—not just for another campaign speech, but for a vision to unite our party and deliver results for Minnesota. I’m putting the full Park Rapids Pledge on the table for Republicans, conservatives, and independents across the state to see and hear. This is the roadmap to take back our state in 2026, and I’m calling on you to join me.
The Minnesota GOP’s endorsement process is broken. It starts with February caucuses, moves through March precincts and April district conventions, and ends at the May state convention. Too often, a small group of elite gatekeepers—consultants, radio personalities, and big-money donors—hijacks the system. When their preferred candidate loses, they pour hundreds of thousands into tearing down the endorsed winner. We’ve seen it in 2018, 2020, 2022, 2024—millions squandered, divisions deepened, and Minnesota families left to suffer under fraud and mismanagement.
Here’s my solution: the Park Rapids Pledge, a pre-convention alliance with one of my fellow contenders—Scott Jensen, Kendall Qualls, Kristin Robbins, or Brad Kohler. I floated this idea with Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Johnson in 2018, but it was too late—he’d already chosen a running mate. This time, we’re ahead of the curve. Two of us will walk into the May 2026 convention as a united team: one for governor, the other for lieutenant governor. We’ll sign the deal live, campaign clean, and charge into the primary as one, shutting out the gatekeepers for good.
This pledge is built on four core priorities that Scott, Kendall, Kristin, Brad, and I all share: ending fraud, protecting our children and families, restoring trust through accountability, and bolstering public safety. We’ll dismantle the fraud pipelines draining our state’s resources, shield our kids and families from exploitation and neglect, hold corrupt actors accountable with rigorous audits and transparency, and strengthen law enforcement to make our streets and communities safer. These aren’t just campaign promises—they’re the foundation of a movement to put Minnesotans first.
Last night, Park Rapids didn’t cheer for me alone—they cheered for a party ready to fight for your kids, your wallets, your trust, and your safety, not for insider agendas. That’s why I’m calling on my fellow candidates to join me. Scott, your clarity and resolve can lead our charge against fraud—and if the ticket isn’t your path, you’d be an outstanding Commissioner of Health, bringing unmatched expertise to the role. Kendall, your passion can protect our families and root out corruption. Kristin, you’d make a dynamic duo, championing kids and communities with sharp leadership. Brad, you’d be a powerhouse cage match teammate, fighting tooth and nail for accountability. The handshake’s on the table.
Minnesota is at a crossroads. Fraud is bleeding us dry, trust in our institutions is crumbling, and our families deserve better. We build the raft now—focused on fraud, families, accountability, and safety—or we sink. Republicans, conservatives, independents: this is our moment. The people of Park Rapids are waiting, and so am I. Join me, and let’s win this together.
Phillip C. Parrish is a retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander, farmer, teacher, administrator, and candidate for Governor of Minnesota in 2026.
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