Born and raised in Hampton Roads, Phil went to public schools and received a Gates Millennium Scholarship, enabling him to attend William & Mary. He studied abroad at Oxford University, becoming the first in his family to graduate from college.

Phil met his wife, Sara, at William & Mary; they married in 2015. Sara works to increase access to quality, affordable health care, with a special focus on preventive care.

Determined to use his education to serve others and help solve social problems, Phil worked as a Senior Policy Analyst in President Obama’s White House Domestic Policy Council. He partnered with leaders across the country to promote clean energy, fight for clean air and water, as well as help coordinate the response to the worst oil spill in American history.

While in law school, Phil took time to represent low-income families facing eviction. He also developed legislation aimed at preventing unwarranted homelessness, then shepherding that bill—AB 2819—through the legislature. A year later, it was signed into law and is now protecting tens of thousands of families each year.

More recently, Phil worked as an attorney with a nonprofit organization, advocating for the rights of working people. Now having stepped up to serve the Eastern Shore and Norfolk in Virginia’s 100th District, Phil is listening to people from all walks of life and differing party affiliations— from employees to owners, to people who have been through the criminal justice system, to concerned parents who want the best future for their children—all in the name of creating more and better economic opportunity for everyone.