Scott Phillips

Scott Phillips is an American politician and attorney currently serving as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing District 10 in Baltimore County. A member of the Democratic Party, Phillips has a background in management consulting and law, and he has held various positions in both the public and private sectors. His legislative work focuses on issues related to crime, policing, and immigration, reflecting his commitment to social justice and community welfare.

Early life and career

Scott Phillips was born and raised in the United States. He pursued higher education at Virginia Union University, where he distinguished himself as the valedictorian of his class and earned a bachelor's degree in accounting in 1983. Following his undergraduate studies, he attended the University of Maryland School of Law, where he obtained his Juris Doctor degree in 1989. His academic achievements laid a strong foundation for his future career in law and public service.

After completing his education, Phillips began his professional career at IBM, where he worked as a minority business program manager. His role at IBM evolved over time, and he eventually became the director of the company's federal small business program. This position allowed him to gain valuable experience in business management and minority business development, which would later inform his political career.

Before entering the Maryland House of Delegates, Phillips served as the Director of the Minority Business Development Agency Business Center in Baltimore, Maryland. In this capacity, he was responsible for promoting the growth and development of minority-owned businesses, further demonstrating his commitment to supporting underrepresented communities.

Phillips first ventured into politics in 2002 when he ran for a seat in the Maryland House of Delegates representing District 10. He campaigned alongside notable figures such as state senator Delores G. Kelley and state delegates Adrienne A. Jones and Shirley Nathan-Pulliam. Despite his efforts, Phillips did not advance past the primary election, finishing fourth with a notable percentage of the vote.

In October 2012, Phillips was appointed by Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz to serve as the chairman of the Baltimore County Planning Board. This role allowed him to engage with community planning and development issues, further solidifying his involvement in local governance.

After a significant hiatus from electoral politics, Phillips returned to the political arena in 2022. He ran for the Maryland House of Delegates once again, this time on a slate that included Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates Adrienne Jones, then-state delegate Benjamin Brooks, and nonprofit executive Jennifer White. His campaign was successful, and he won the Democratic primary on July 19, marking a significant milestone in his political career.

Legislative service

Scott Phillips was sworn into the Maryland House of Delegates on January 11, 2023. As a member of the House Judiciary Committee, he plays a vital role in shaping legislation related to legal and judicial matters. His position on this committee allows him to contribute to discussions and decisions that impact the legal framework of the state, particularly in areas concerning justice and public safety.

In January 2026, Phillips was elected as the chair of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland. In this leadership role, he has been instrumental in advocating for legislation that addresses critical issues affecting marginalized communities. Under his chairmanship, the caucus has supported several significant initiatives, including measures to prohibit counties from entering into agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement under the 287(g) program, which allows local law enforcement to collaborate with federal immigration authorities.

Additionally, the caucus has focused on investigating a property in Prince George's County that may contain unmarked graves of youth from the former House of Reformation and Instruction of Colored Children. This initiative reflects a commitment to uncovering historical injustices and ensuring accountability for past actions. Phillips has also championed reforms aimed at changing policies that automatically charge minors as adults for certain crimes, advocating for a more equitable approach to juvenile justice.

Policy focus and district

Phillips's legislative priorities reflect his dedication to addressing issues of crime, policing, and immigration. During the 2026 legislative session, he supported a bill aimed at ending the practice of automatically charging minors as adults for certain offenses. This legislative effort underscores his belief in the importance of fair treatment for young individuals within the justice system.

In addition to his focus on juvenile justice reform, Phillips introduced the Community Trust Act during the same legislative session. This proposed legislation seeks to prohibit local law enforcement agencies and jails from detaining individuals based solely on their immigration status. By advocating for this measure, Phillips aims to foster trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement, promoting a more inclusive and equitable society.

As a representative of District 10 in Baltimore County, Phillips is tasked with addressing the concerns and needs of his constituents. His background in business and law, combined with his commitment to public service, positions him as a knowledgeable advocate for the community. He works to ensure that the voices of his constituents are heard in the legislative process and that their interests are represented effectively.

In his personal life, Scott Phillips has been married to his wife, Valarie, for over 30 years. Together, they have two daughters, Erin and Kaylyn. His family life reflects his values and commitment to community, further informing his approach to public service and legislative work. As he continues his tenure in the Maryland House of Delegates, Phillips remains focused on advocating for policies that promote justice, equity, and community development.