Sophie Phillips
Sophie Phillips | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Delaware House of Representatives from the 18th district | |
| Assumed office November 9, 2022 | |
| Preceded by | David Bentz |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1995 or 1996 (age 28–29) |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Other political affiliations | Working Families Party |
| Alma mater | University of Delaware |
| Profession | Researcher |
| Website | Campaign website |
Sophie Phillips (born 1995/1996[1]) is an American politician. She is a Democratic member of the Delaware House of Representatives, representing District 18.[2] First elected in 2022, she succeeded David Bentz after his retirement from office.[3] She was winner of the 2021 Miss Delaware beauty pageant.[4][5]
Early life
[edit]Philips received a BS in environmental and marine science from the University of Delaware.[6] While in college, she experienced sexual violence, which lead her to work as a student ambassador for Title IX and help create the "kNOw MORE" campaign to educate staff and students and advocate for survivors of sexual violence.[6] Phillips credits these experiences as giving her confidence to use her voice for change.[7] One of her friends at the time convinced her to try competing in beauty pageants, which she found to be a fun and supportive environment.[8]
After graduating, she studied at the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy & Administration, earning a master's degree in energy and environmental policy.[3][6] Her thesis focused on environmental justice and how to increase the diversity of those visiting state and national parks.[4] While in school, she aspired to be a National Park Service ranger and work toward ensuring equal access for people of color.[4][8][9]
Phillip was named Miss Southern Delaware in 2018, allowing her to compete at the Miss Delaware pageant.[10] In 2021, she was named Miss Milford and then Miss Delaware.[11][1] She played a Jethro Tull song on piano for the talent portion.[12] She used her title to advocate for environmental justice, including issues such as flooding and development in Sussex County, Delaware.[11] She competed in the 100th anniversary Miss America pageant, being named a Top 5 finalist for the Justice and Equity Award.[11]
Political career
[edit]In 2022, Phillips was elected to represent the 18th district in the Delaware House of Representatives, defeating Republican Gloria Hope Payne in the November general election with over 70% of the vote.[13][3] She ran as an environmental advocate and supported other progressive causes, such as recreational marijuana and climate change legislation.[13][3]
Personal life
[edit]Philips is of mixed African, Indian, Caribbean, and European descent.[4] She chose become involved in environmental justice as a result of her multicultural heritage and recognizing the impacts of historical injustice.[4] After she was elected to the Delaware General Assembly in 2022, she commented, "Every new person that comes in with a diverse background has a new perspective. And when you're writing policy, you need to make sure that you're taking in so many different perspectives so you’re not just writing policy for one population."[3]
Phillips is an avid bicyclist and also plays the piano.[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Neiburg, Jeff (June 26, 2021). "New Miss Delaware crowned during Friday night event in Milton". The News Journal.
- ^ "Representative Sophie Phillips (D)". Delaware General Assembly. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e "State Rep. Sophie Phillips discusses being Delaware's youngest legislator, plans for freshman term". Delaware First Media. Retrieved 2023-08-06.
- ^ a b c d e "Delawareans elect most diverse General Assembly, including Miss America contestant". WHYY. Retrieved 2023-08-06.
- ^ "Sophie Phillips wins Miss Delaware 2021". Cape Gazette. Retrieved 2023-08-06.
- ^ a b c "Sophie Phillips". Delaware House Democrats. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
- ^ "Meet Sophie". Sophie Phillips Democrat for the 18th. Friends of Sophie Phillips.
- ^ a b Gerace, Frank (4 July 2021). "Sophie Phillips is Miss Delaware 2021". WDEL.
- ^ "Sophie Phillips". Miss America. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
- ^ "Miss Dewey Beach, Miss Southern Delaware named". Cape Gazette. March 3, 2018.
- ^ a b c Bainbridge, Alysa (December 16, 2021). "Miss Delaware Competes for the 100th Anniversary Miss America Title". CoastTV.
- ^ Cook, Dan (June 30, 2021). "Sophie Phillips wins Miss Delaware 2021". Cape Gazette.
- ^ a b Newman, Meredith (September 17, 2022). "Democratic primary shows progressive legislative wave continues to ride strong in Delaware". The News Journal.