By Phillip C. Parrish, LCDR, USN (Ret.)
Faribault, MN – November 6, 2025
As the leaves settle from another crisp Minnesota fall, our state stands at the threshold of real change. Yesterday’s echoes from Park Rapids still ring true: the energy of dedicated Republicans wasn’t just about one voice—it was a chorus calling for unity, purpose, and action. The Park Rapids Pledge I outlined there remains—a pre-convention alliance to sideline the gatekeepers and propel us forward as a team. Today, with fresh announcements lighting up the race, I want to extend that hand wider: to every Republican candidate, to conservatives hungry for results, and to independents who see through the noise. Together, we can restore Minnesota’s greatness, but it starts with choosing the path of collaboration over division.
What sets this moment apart? It’s the depth of talent in our field, a lineup of leaders each bringing unique strengths forged in service to our state. As of today, the Republican candidates for governor include Brad Kohler, Lisa Demuth, Kendall Qualls, myself (Phillip C. Parrish), Scott Jensen, Kristin Robbins, Patrick Knight, and Jeff Johnson, the former St. Cloud city council member. Each of us carries a piece of the puzzle: Brad’s unyielding fight for transparency, Lisa’s command as House Speaker, Kendall’s inspiring bridge-building across communities, Scott’s steady hand in health and policy, Kristin’s sharp advocacy for families and suburbs, Patrick’s fresh business acumen and veteran resolve, Jeff’s no-nonsense crusade against waste and corruption, and my own blend of intelligence operations, education leadership, and grassroots truth-telling.
Where do I see myself leading the pack? Not in ego, but in the quiet conviction that servant leadership—honed over two decades in the Navy Reserve targeting threats abroad and building budgets at home—equips me to weave these threads into an unbreakable whole. My time as a United States Navy intelligence analyst taught me to spot patterns of waste and corruption before they drain resources; that’s why I’ve led the charge on exposing fraud through Freedom Talk with Phil, reaching tens of thousands who tune in for unfiltered accountability. As a former K-12 teacher and principal steering multimillion-dollar expansions at Gerard Academy and Divine Mercy, I’ve excelled in protecting our children—not with rhetoric, but with hands-on programs that lift the vulnerable and foster excellence. And as a farmer rooted in Kenyon’s soil, administrator overseeing $4.3 million operations, and volunteer mentoring youth through the Naval Sea Cadets, I’ve built coalitions from the ground up, always putting families first.
What truly sets me apart isn’t competition; it’s commitment. While others bring invaluable expertise—and I welcome every bit of it—I’ve spent years listening across Blue Earth to the North Shore, from Hubbard County forums to Rice County meetups, amplifying the working poor and middle class who feel dismissed by elite games. My 2018 run taught me resilience; my Bold 100-Day Plan maps the wins we will accomplish. But here’s the opportunity I see: a coalition where we incorporate it all. Imagine Scott Jensen channeling his medical wisdom into a health commissioner role or lieutenant ticket, safeguarding families from exploitation. Kendall Qualls igniting outreach to unite diverse voices against neglect. Kristin Robbins as a dynamic partner, fortifying education and community safety. Brad Kohler in the cage match for audits that restore trust. Lisa Demuth’s legislative experience bolstering our public safety push. Patrick’s economic drive fueling job pipelines free of fraud. Jeff Johnson’s courage targeting immigration fraud. This isn’t about one star—it’s about a constellation lighting Minnesota’s path.
To my fellow candidates: The handshake announced in Park Rapids awaits you. Let’s sign it live, campaign clean, and storm the May 2026 convention as allies. Your expertise isn’t a threat—it’s treasure we’ll steward together for fraud’s end, families’ shield, accountability’s dawn, and safety’s return. This pledge honors our shared priorities, drawn straight from the hearts of Minnesotans who’ve joined me at over 100 events, launched County Ambassadors, and pledged their time, talent, and treasure.
Yet, as we build these relationships, a gentle caution: The puppet master tactics—whispers from consultants, donor dangles, or dismissive shrugs—have cost us cycles of progress. They’ve deepened divides, squandered millions, and left our people paying the price. Don’t play those games; they’re relics of a broken system. And please, never underestimate the tens of thousands who already look to this movement as their voice—the veterans, teachers, farmers, and faith leaders who’ve mobilized because they see in us, in this, a return to right versus wrong, not left versus right. Dismissing that groundswell risks the very unity we need to win.
Minnesota, we’re not sinking—we’re repairing the hull, dewatering the flood of fraud, and restoring Minnesota to full mission capability. Fraud bleeds us, trust crumbles, but our families’ potential shines undimmed. Join this coalition at parrish4mn.com: volunteer, donate, or simply add your voice. Republicans, conservatives, independents—let’s incorporate our best, lead with integrity, and make Minnesota great again. The people of every corner of Minnesota are waiting. Who’s ready to help Minnesota get back on course?
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Phillip C. Parrish is a retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander, farmer, teacher, administrator, and candidate for Governor of Minnesota in 2026. Learn more at parrish4mn.com.