Minnesota gubernatorial and lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2026

Safeguarding Kids by Hardening Soft Targets like Schools and Churches and destroying Gangs.

Make Minnesota Minnesota Again by deporting illegal aliens.

Prosecuting Fraud and Corruption are going to be priorities under my Evenstad Administration.

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1. Minnesota Needs a Fighter, Not a Politician

I’ve fought in the UFC and built businesses from the ground up. I know what it takes to win and lead. I’m not here to play politics — I’m here to fix what’s broken. I’ll fight to end corruption, stop rising crime, and return power to the people of Minnesota. We need leadership that works for everyday Minnesotans, not career insiders.

2. Lower Taxes, More Freedom

I will eliminate the state income tax, end property taxes, and reduce car tabs to $99. It’s time Minnesotans keep more of what they earn. I’ll cut red tape for businesses and protect your rights — from the Second Amendment to parental control in education. I believe freedom and affordability go hand in hand.

3. Protect Kids, Empower Parents

I’ll fight to protect girls’ sports, stop gender ideology in schools, and ban early transition surgeries for minors. Parents deserve to be the decision-makers in their children’s lives. I’ll expand school choice, improve vocational training, and make sure every child in Minnesota has a path to succeed — without politics in the classroom.

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What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Restoring Prosperity, Freedom, and Safety

As your Governor, I’ll act immediately to deliver results for Minnesotans—cutting taxes, empowering parents, ensuring fairness, and strengthening safety. My 100-Day Plan tackles your priorities with decisive action.

In a Parrish administration: • People will be fired for negligence and criminal activities—not because they offended somebody. • Boys are boys. Girls are girls. • Your hard-earned income belongs to you—not to grifters and thieves.

These principles guide my fight to restore common sense, protect freedoms, and deliver real results. No more waste, no more division—just prosperity for all Minnesotans.

I will appoint commissioners for agencies like Revenue, Management and Budget, Education, and Public Safety, who prioritize efficiency, transparency, fairness, and safety. Acting commissioners will begin work pending Senate confirmation, delivering monthly reports targeting $50 million in administrative savings by Day 100. This plan reflects my vision for a Minnesota that empowers its people, protects fairness, and prioritizes practical solutions. By ensuring fair sports and facilities, ending divisive DEI and sanctuary policies, cooperating to deport violent felons, replacing Due North with skills-focused education, advancing school choice, and cutting taxes—including the gas tax—we will build a stronger, safer, and more unified Minnesota

Criminal System, Corrections, Child Protection & Election Integrity.

I’m passionate about restoring fiscal responsibility, public safety, and parental rights in Minnesota. I believe families are overtaxed and underserved, and I’m committed to eliminating the state income tax, ending property taxes, and cutting wasteful government spending. I’m equally focused on reducing violent crime by supporting law enforcement and holding repeat offenders accountable. Finally, I’m deeply committed to protecting kids in schools — that means keeping politics out of the classroom, empowering parents with school choice, and ensuring fairness in athletics. These aren’t just policies — they’re personal values rooted in freedom, responsibility, and common sense.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Transparency & Accountability: Expose lies, cut waste, end fraud—protecting taxpayers from bureaucratic theft.

2. Servant Leadership: Reject divisive elitism; unite us through decency, respect, and common ground. 3. Local Empowerment: Devolve power to communities for back-to-basics education, affordable healthcare, reliable infrastructure. 4. Protecting the Vulnerable: Defend children, the poor, and hardworking families with integrity and moral strength.

These aren’t slogans—they’re my life’s mission from military service to now. Together, we’ll restore Minnesota’s heart. Visit parrish4mn.com/platform.

My Dad Virgil Evenstad and my friend Andrew Dodds. Loving, kind & giving of themselves.Sav

The person I look up to most is my high school wrestling coach, Jim Grealis. He was more than a coach, he was a role model who helped shape my work ethic, discipline, and values at a crucial point in my life. Coach Grealis believed in doing the hard work when no one is watching — what he called “working in the shadows.” That mindset stuck with me. He taught me that real champions are built in the quiet hours, not in front of the crowd.

What made him even more powerful as a leader was his character. He never once used a cuss word, but commanded total respect because of how he carried himself. His strength came from integrity, not intimidation.

Because of his influence, I became the best wrestler to ever come out of my high school, and I took those lessons with me into the UFC cage, into business, and now into this campaign for Governor.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Jesus Christ—the ultimate servant leader who exposed hypocrisy, defended the poor, and never compromised truth. Also Abraham Lincoln

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

The movie Gladiator perfectly reflects my political philosophy: courage, honor, and fighting for what’s right — even when the odds are against you. Maximus didn’t seek power, but when corruption and tyranny took hold, he stood up for justice, loyalty, and the people. That’s how I view leadership. I’m not running to join the political class — I’m running to challenge it. Like Maximus, I believe in duty over ego, action over talk, and protecting those who can’t protect themselves. The movie reminds us that true strength comes from discipline, sacrifice, and a commitment to something greater than yourself. That’s the kind of Governor I intend to be.

Honesty, Trust, Character, Integrity, Courage and Wisdom. Christian principles.

An elected official must have integrity, courage, and a deep respect for the people they serve. They should be honest, transparent, and unafraid to speak hard truths — even when it’s unpopular. Strong leadership means listening more than talking, making decisions based on principle rather than politics, and being accountable for the results. I believe elected leaders should protect individual freedoms, safeguard taxpayer dollars, and always put the needs of citizens ahead of special interests. Trust is earned through action, and Minnesotans deserve leaders who keep their word and fight for what’s right — not what’s easy.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

For an elected official, integrity, servant leadership, and moral discernment are non-negotiable. Integrity means refusing to lie, cheat, or steal—even when no one is watching—and exposing fraud wherever it hides in government. Servant leadership demands putting Minnesotans first, not personal power or elite agendas; it’s listening to the hardworking majority, not silencing them with divisive labels. Moral discernment rejects the false left-right divide to focus on right vs. wrong, protecting the vulnerable from exploitation while empowering local solutions. These principles, forged in military service and lived through decades defending the innocent, will guide every decision I make as Governor.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

I believe I bring a unique set of qualities that make me the kind of Governor Minnesota needs right now: discipline, resilience, courage, and real-world experience. I’m not a career politician. I’ve been a UFC fighter, a small business owner, and someone who knows what it means to fight for every inch of progress. I’ve built my life around hard work, personal accountability, and doing the right thing even when it’s hard.

What sets me apart is that I don’t just talk, I act. I’ve stood up to bullies in the cage and I’m ready to stand up to political corruption, wasteful spending, and policies that hurt working families. I’ve learned to lead from the front, not from behind a desk. I stay calm under pressure, I take responsibility for outcomes, and I surround myself with people who aren’t afraid to speak the truth.

Most importantly, I listen. I listen to real people, not lobbyists. I lead with conviction, not convenience. And I never forget who I’m fighting for, the people of Minnesota.

Service & Helping Others. Protection the State's Citizens. Holding criminals accountable. Lifting people up and improving citizens quality of life.

The core responsibility of the Governor is to serve as the chief executive of the state by protecting the rights, safety, and prosperity of all Minnesotans. That means enforcing laws fairly, managing the state budget responsibly, and leading with integrity during both crisis and calm. The Governor must ensure our communities are safe, our schools are accountable, our economy is growing, and our government is transparent and efficient. A Governor should fight waste, fraud, and overreach, while protecting individual freedoms and standing up for those who feel left behind. Leadership isn’t about control, it’s about service, results, and restoring trust in government.

What legacy would you like to leave?

A Governor’s core duty is servant leadership: protect the vulnerable, expose fraud, and empower local communities over centralized control. I will safeguard Minnesotans from bureaucratic theft, streamline waste, and ensure every tax dollar serves the hardworking majority. My oath is to defend integrity—rejecting lies, elitism, and divisive agendas—while devolving power to families, schools, and neighborhoods. As top executive, I answer to the people, not D.C. or special interests.

Saving lives

I want my legacy to be that I stood up when it mattered most, not for politics, but for the people of Minnesota. I want to be remembered as a Governor who put principle over party, fought for working families, restored trust in government, and protected the freedoms that make this state worth fighting for.

I didn’t come from wealth or politics. I came from discipline, grit, and doing the hard work when no one was watching. If people look back and say, “Brad Kohler did exactly what he said he would do,” that’s a legacy I’d be proud of.

I want to leave Minnesota safer, stronger, freer, and more affordable, a place where families can thrive, small businesses can grow, and kids can dream big without being burdened by failed systems or broken promises. If I can inspire others to lead with courage and integrity, that will be the greatest impact of all.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

A Minnesota where fraud is gone, families thrive, and government fears the people—not the reverse. A state rebuilt on transparency, decency, and local power.

Watergate. 8 years old.myb

The first major historical event I remember clearly was the Challenger Space Shuttle explosion in 1986. I was 21 years old, living in Ohio, and the tragedy hit especially close to home because Judith Resnik, one of the astronauts on board, was from Ohio. The nation was watching with hope and pride — and in an instant, it turned into shock and heartbreak. That moment reminded me how fragile life is and how powerful it is when ordinary people take extraordinary risks to serve something bigger than themselves. It left a lasting impression on me about the meaning of sacrifice, courage, and unity during times of national grief.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Televised Moon landing, July 20, 1969. I was 4. Watched on a black-and-white TV with my family.

Janitor. 2 years

My first job was at McDonald’s, where I started as a teenager flipping burgers, cleaning floors, and learning the value of hard work. I stayed there for 10 years, working my way up and gaining firsthand experience in responsibility, teamwork, and customer service. That job taught me discipline, grit, and how to show up every day ready to work, the lessons I’ve carried with me through business, athletics, and now into public service.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Farmer. Life-long

Bible. It's God's word.

My favorite book is On Fire by John O’Leary. It’s the true story of a young boy who was burned on 100% of his body and given no chance to live but he not only survived, he went on to live with purpose, passion, and unshakable faith.

That book deeply resonated with me because it’s not just about overcoming physical pain, it’s about overcoming fear, doubt, and the limits others place on you. It’s about making a choice to live boldly, lead with courage, and inspire others through action.

As someone who’s had to fight through tough challenges in life and lead by example, On Fire reminded me that even in the darkest moments, we can choose to rise. It’s a book about grit, grace, and igniting your life and that message aligns perfectly with how I live and why I’m running to serve Minnesota.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

The Bible—it’s the only unchanging truth in a world of spin. Guides my moral compass, exposes deception, and demands justice with mercy.

Batman

If I could be any fictional character, I’d be Maximus Decimus Meridius from Gladiator. He’s a warrior, a leader, and a man of principle who stood against corruption and fought for justice, not for glory, but because it was the right thing to do. Maximus didn’t chase power; it was thrust upon him, and he rose to the moment with strength, discipline, and unwavering loyalty to his values.

That’s the kind of character I relate to as someone who doesn’t back down from a fight, who inspires others by example, and who leads not with ego, but with purpose. He reminds us that real leadership is about sacrifice, service, and standing up when others sit down. In today’s political world, we could use a little more Maximus.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Atticus Finch—a man of unshakable integrity who defended the innocent against lies and mob rule, no matter the cost. That’s the leadership Minnesota needs.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Imagine- by Mercy Me. A Christian band. More so, the movie that is about the song. Through my trials and tribulations in life, I can relate.

Wrongful Conviction

One of the biggest things I’ve struggled with in life is getting people to believe in themselves and in the power of unity. I’ve seen too many people limit what they’re capable of because they’ve been told they’re not good enough, strong enough, or qualified enough to make a difference. I’ve always believed that when we come together with a shared purpose, we can accomplish anything, but it’s hard to get others to see that, especially in a world that constantly divides us.

Whether it was in the wrestling room, the UFC cage, or in business, I’ve seen what’s possible when people drop their excuses and choose courage over comfort. But getting others to believe that has been a challenge. I’ve made it my mission to show by example to fight for something bigger than myself, and to remind people that unity is more powerful than any obstacle.

Governors have many responsibilities, which vary from state to state. Which of those do you personally consider the most important in your state?

Watching good people crushed by corrupt systems—from military cover-ups to Minnesota’s $250M fraud scandal. The fight against lies and elitism never ends, but surrender isn’t an option.

Public Safety by far. No contest.

The most important responsibilities of a Governor are to protect the people, steward taxpayer dollars responsibly, and lead with integrity. That starts with ensuring public safety by supporting law enforcement and enforcing the law without bias or politics. It means managing the state’s budget wisely, eliminating waste, and cutting taxes so families and businesses can thrive. The Governor must also ensure that our education system works for parents and students, not political agendas and that Minnesotans have freedom to live, work, and raise their families without government overreach. Lastly, a Governor must be a voice for the people, stand strong under pressure, and take responsibility - no excuses, no passing the buck. That’s the kind of leadership I’ll bring to Minnesota.

Different states require governors to have different degrees of responsibility for the state budgeting process. If it were your choice, what do you believe is the appropriate degree of gubernatorial involvement with this process in your state?

In Minnesota, the most vital responsibility is restoring trust through transparency and fiscal integrity. I will prioritize exposing fraud (like Feeding Our Future), slashing waste, and ensuring every dollar fuels local solutions—not elite agendas. Protecting the vulnerable, empowering communities in education and healthcare, and rejecting divisive policies come next. Leadership isn’t about control—it’s about serving the hardworking majority with moral clarity.

As Governor, I should be heavily involved and have authority to make decisions regarding the State's budget.

If it were my choice, the Governor of Minnesota should be deeply involved in the decision-making process, not to control every detail, but to ensure accountability, transparency, and results. The Governor sets the tone and direction for the entire executive branch and should be actively engaged in how laws are implemented, how taxpayer dollars are spent, and how agencies serve the people.

Too often, Minnesota’s governors have delegated authority without oversight which leads to fraud, waste, and a growing disconnect between government and the people. I believe in hands-on leadership, but also in empowering the right people and holding them responsible for performance. A Governor should not micromanage but must stay engaged, ask tough questions, demand measurable results, and never let bureaucracy operate unchecked.

Minnesotans deserve a Governor who doesn’t just sign bills but who stands watch over the whole system.

In most states, governors have the power to make line-item vetoes. If that is true in your state, what would be your philosophy for how and when to use this power?

The Governor must lead with a scalpel, not a sledgehammer. I favor strong executive oversight to eliminate fraud and bloat, but final line-item authority should rest with the legislature—checked by transparent public audits. No more blank checks for cronies. I’ll propose lean, accountable budgets that empower local priorities, veto waste, and demand results. Centralized control breeds corruption; collaborative stewardship builds trust.

With discretion when absolutely necessary.

If granted the power of a line-item veto, I would use it as a tool to protect taxpayers, cut waste, and hold the legislature accountable for reckless or hidden spending. Too often, massive bills are passed with last-minute amendments, bloated budgets, or handouts buried deep in the fine print. I would use the line-item veto to remove any spending that doesn’t directly serve the people of Minnesota, uphold our values, or align with sound fiscal policy. This power shouldn’t be used out of spite or politics, it should be used with precision and purpose. My philosophy is simple: if it’s not transparent, necessary, and effective, it doesn’t belong in the budget. The people of Minnesota deserve a Governor who will scrutinize every dollar and say “no” when the legislature won’t.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

I will use the line-item veto surgically and transparently—only to excise fraud, waste, or pork that harms Minnesotans. Every veto will be public, justified in writing, and tied to protecting the vulnerable or empowering local solutions. No vetoes for political score-settling; only to uphold integrity and fiscal responsibility.

Cordial, Working together to solve the State's problems and help people.

The ideal relationship between the Governor and legislators should be built on respect, accountability, and results, not politics. I believe in honest debate, strong boundaries, and shared responsibility to serve the people of Minnesota. We won’t always agree, but we should always be transparent, professional, and focused on solutions that benefit our state — not political parties or special interests. As Governor, I’ll work with legislators who are willing to put Minnesotans first. I won’t tolerate backroom deals or last-minute giveaways buried in thousand-page bills. I’ll push for regular communication, public accountability, and a return to common-sense lawmaking. At the end of the day, our job is to serve the people and that requires both strong leadership and constructive collaboration.

What do you love most about your state?

Collaborative stewardship, not adversarial control. I’ll work with legislators as partners in service—vetting ideas through transparency, rejecting elitist agendas, and finding common ground on decency and results. When they stray into waste or division, I’ll veto with clarity. Unity through mutual accountability.

The Lakes

What I love most about Minnesota is the people who are hardworking, tough, and honest folks who take pride in their families, faith, and communities. We’re resilient through long winters, generous when our neighbors are in need, and fiercely loyal to our state. From the beauty of our lakes and farmland to the strength of our small towns and cities, Minnesota represents everything I believe in: grit, opportunity, and the freedom to build a better life.

I’m also proud of Minnesota’s diversity from the immigrant communities chasing the American Dream to multi-generational families rooted in every corner of the state. Our differences are a strength, but our shared tenacity is what makes us Minnesotan.

This is where I was raised, where I fought, where I built businesses and where I’m fighting now to give future generations the same chance. I love this state not just for what it is, but for what it can be again.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Minnesota’s hardworking, decent people—farmers, veterans, families—who embody resilience and community. Our lakes, seasons, and small-town spirit reflect God-given beauty and grit. I love the quiet strength of neighbors helping neighbors, not waiting for government. That’s the Minnesota worth fighting for.

Public Safety, Illegal aliens, Trans Violence, Political Strife

Over the next 10 years, Minnesota’s biggest challenge won’t just be crime, education, or the economy, it will be restoring trust in government and rebuilding a foundation for long-term prosperity. People have lost faith in their leaders because of broken promises, wasteful spending, and policies that put politics before people. When trust erodes, unity collapses and we’re seeing the effects in every part of our state. We must rebuild that trust by demanding transparency, holding leaders accountable, and putting the needs of Minnesotans first. At the same time, we have to revive prosperity, not just for the wealthy or the well-connected, but for working families, small businesses, and young people trying to build a future here. That means lowering taxes, reducing government overreach, and making Minnesota a place where opportunity is real again. Without trust and prosperity, nothing else can stand.

Tell us your favorite joke.

1. Fraud & waste draining billions from schools and families.

2. Divisive elitism silencing the hardworking majority. 3. Centralized overreach crushing local innovation in education, healthcare, infrastructure. 4. Moral drift abandoning personal responsibility.

We beat them with transparency, unity, and servant leadership.

Under what circumstances should the governor of your state be able to use emergency powers?

“Why don’t skeletons fight each other?”

Because they don’t have the guts.

I like this one because it’s clean, quick, and something anyone can laugh at for kids, adults, even a room full of serious people. It reminds me that humor doesn’t have to be mean or complicated to bring people together. In today’s world, we take ourselves way too seriously. Laughter is powerful and it breaks tension, builds trust, and reminds us we’re all human. Whether I’m in the gym, on the campaign trail, or talking to someone across the table, I’ve learned that a good laugh can go a long way in building real connection.

Extremely rare circumstances in which there's no other option to Safeguard Citizens.

Emergency powers should only be used by a Governor in true, immediate crises such as natural disasters, terrorist threats, or pandemics where quick action is required to save lives. But those powers must be strictly limited in scope, duration, and authority. They are not a blank check for one person to bypass the legislative process, rewrite laws, or restrict freedoms indefinitely.

As Governor, I would support clear checks and balances: emergency powers should expire after a short, defined period unless extended by a vote of the legislature. Transparency is key and any use of emergency powers should be explained publicly, with clear goals and regular updates.

Minnesotans deserve strong leadership in times of crisis — but never unchecked power. We must protect both public safety and constitutional rights, even in emergencies.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Only for genuine, imminent threats—natural disasters, clear public safety crises—never to bypass the legislature or impose permanent control. Emergency powers expire fast, require legislative approval to extend, and demand full transparency. No using crises to push elite agendas or silence dissent. Trust, not fear, governs Minnesota.

I have built strong relationships with many minority communities and leaders, as well as many businessmen and women in MN. My priority at this point in the campaign is to build relationships with as many people and communities before working on the endorsements.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

RAF redamericafirst.com

Would a state ballot initiative process be good or bad for your state?

Transparency and accountability aren’t just talking points, they’re non-negotiable responsibilities for anyone in government. Minnesotans deserve to know how their tax dollars are being spent, who is making decisions on their behalf, and what outcomes those decisions are producing. Right now, too much happens behind closed doors, and too few people are held responsible when things go wrong, whether it’s $250 million stolen from Feeding Our Future, fake voter registrations, or taxpayer money funding programs with zero oversight.

As Governor, I will require full audits of state agencies, publish real-time spending dashboards, and explore blockchain-based tracking for public contracts to prevent fraud and ensure every transaction is visible and secure. I’ll establish Citizen Oversight Committees made up of everyday Minnesotans to review state budgets, investigate abuse, and ensure our government works for the people, not itself.

I’ll support whistleblowers, cut off no-bid contracts, and expose insider deals. Accountability is action, and I’ll bring it every day I’m in office.

No

I believe a state ballot initiative process would be good for Minnesota. It gives the people a direct voice when the legislature refuses to act or ignores the will of the voters. Minnesotans are smart, engaged, and capable of making decisions on the most important issues affecting their lives, from taxes to education to public safety.

Ballot initiatives create a vital check on political gridlock and special interest influence. They can help restore trust in government by allowing citizens to bypass career politicians who are more focused on party agendas than real solutions. Of course, the process must be well-regulated to ensure transparency, truth in advertising, and protection against fraud or manipulation but giving the people more power is never a bad idea.

We need a government that listens. A ballot initiative process is one way to make sure that happens.

A governor is the top executive authority in his or her state. What does that mean to you?

Good—if tightly safeguarded. Minnesotans deserve a direct voice when leaders ignore fraud, waste, or the hardworking majority. I’d support a high-signature threshold, full transparency, and single-issue limits to prevent elite manipulation. Power to the people, not special interests.

Tremendous responsibility and tremendous opportunities to help my fellow Minnesotans.

Being the top executive authority in Minnesota isn’t about power, it’s about responsibility. To me, being Governor means showing up every day to serve the people, not special interests. It means taking full accountability for what happens in our state, from the safety of our streets to the integrity of our elections, the quality of our schools, and the way your hard-earned tax dollars are spent.

As Governor, I won’t pass the blame or hide behind bureaucracy. I’ll lead from the front with courage, clarity, and common sense. That means standing up for parents, backing law enforcement, protecting your rights, and rebuilding trust in state government. I believe leadership is earned, not inherited. The Governor should be the most accountable person in the state. Minnesotans deserve someone who will fight for them and I’m built for that fight.

Candidates hear many personal stories from voters. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching or memorable?

It means unwavering accountability to Minnesotans, not elite power structures. As chief executive, I wield authority to cut fraud, dismantle bloated bureaucracies, and restore transparency—never to impose top-down mandates. True leadership serves, listens, and protects the innocent while rejecting moral hypocrisy. My military-honed discipline demands I lead with integrity, putting decency and common sense above partisan games.

Yes

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

A single mom in Duluth told me her taxes fund fraud while her kids’ school crumbles. She said, “I just want someone to fight for us, not the system.” Her quiet courage fuels my mission.

Pioneering GPS for sex criminals in 2003.

What role should your state’s government have in the development or use of artificial intelligence?

As one of the original whistleblowers of the Minnesota Daycare Fraud—a scandal insiders ignored. My whistleblowing is finally coming to the surface to help protect taxpayers and the truly hungry. Integrity in action.

Limited but involved. Ensuring AI isn't used in criminal or nefarious purposes.

What legislation would you want to sign related to election administration in your state?

Minimal. AI must never replace human judgment, privacy, or local control. State government should block surveillance overreach, protect jobs, and ban AI in elections or welfare fraud. Let private innovation thrive; government’s role is guarding integrity, not picking winners.

In Person Voting only --ON mail in 🗳️ ballots.