Official Statement from Phillip C. Parrish
Candidate for Governor of Minnesota 2026
December 14, 2025
Fellow Minnesotans,
I am a Republican because I believe deeply in our constitutional republic—a nation founded on God-given rights, the rule of law, and accountability to the people. My commitment is not to any exclusive club or insider group, but to the principles that make Minnesota and America exceptional. Today, this fight is no longer about left versus right or red versus blue. It is simply about right versus wrong.
Yesterday, the Minnesota GOP (MNGOP) State Central Committee (SCC)—a body of approximately 300-350 elected delegates representing the party’s grassroots leadership—conducted a non-binding gubernatorial preference poll. While I appreciate the engagement of these dedicated volunteers and note a healthier atmosphere within the party than in years past, I must offer a candid and caring advisory to all who will listen: Republicans, Independents, unaffiliated voters, and especially the many Minnesotans of faith who feel disconnected from the process.
The MNGOP State Central Committee, though well-intentioned, represents only a tiny fraction—roughly 0.005%—of our state’s 5.8 million residents. In an era when information flows freely and instantly to every corner of Minnesota, the pattern of relying on such a small, demographically narrow group to gauge “electability” risks repeating the same outcomes we have seen for nearly two decades: no statewide victories and continued governance that too often prioritizes insider interests over the needs of everyday families.
I have now hosted more than 100 events across every region of our state—from the Iron Range to the metro suburbs, from rural farms to urban neighborhoods. The clear message I hear, again and again, is that over 80% of attendees no longer strongly identify with either major party. Millions of Minnesotans, including more than a million Christians who hold biblical values dear, have stepped back from active participation because they feel both parties have drifted from principle and accountability. These are good, hardworking people—parents, farmers, small-business owners, and veterans—who simply want leadership that chooses right over wrong.
When “electability” is measured primarily through the lens of a small group’s preferences—often shaped by identity considerations, donor networks, and legacy media signals—rather than the broader will and wisdom of Minnesota’s diverse population, we limit our reach. I have personally experienced thoughtful but one-sided conversations within these circles, where outsiders are spoken at rather than listened to. This is not a criticism born of frustration, but a loving warning from someone who has studied patterns for decades: if we continue sidelining the voices of the “least among us,” we will see more of the same—missed opportunities to unite, to inspire turnout, and to defeat the entrenched interests that have harmed our state.
We have a strong and growing field of candidates who care deeply about Minnesota’s future. To win in 2026, we must expand the table—welcoming independents, disillusioned voters, and people of faith with open arms and genuine dialogue. The old playbook of insulated events and narrow endorsement processes will not draw in the millions who have tuned out. Instead, let us build a movement grounded in truth, transparency, and constitutional principles that speaks directly to the hearts of all 5.8 million Minnesotans.
As a retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander, fraud whistleblower, lifelong Minnesotan, and Catholic father serving within the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, I remain committed to this advisory in a spirit of unity and hope. Together, by choosing right over wrong, we can restore accountability, protect our families, and reclaim the promise of this great state.
I invite every Minnesotan to join the conversation.
In service,
Phillip C. Parrish
Republican Candidate for Governor of Minnesota 2026
Navy Veteran | Fraud Whistleblower | Constitutional Republican
For press inquiries:
Phillip C. Parrish – phillip@parrish4mn.com
Campaign Manager Heidi Wanty – heidi@parrish4mn.com
Phone: (612) 460-1717
Website: https://parrish4mn.com
X: @phillipcparrish
###