Andrea Stevens
AFRO Staff Writer
astevens@afro.com
Delegate N. Scott Phillips, known for championing economic equity, is seeking reelection to the Maryland House of Delegates.
Now completing his first term, he says his work is far from over.
“For some, re-election campaigns are seen as running a race, but this is not a sprint, it’s a marathon, and we have so much more left to do,” Phillips said.
Representing Maryland’s 10th District, Phillips has focused his legislative work on economic development, justice reform, public safety and equity. He says his vision for the next term continues to center on empowering communities to thrive on their own terms.
“It’s about representing our community with real focus and thought. How do we build a community where we are self-reliant? For me, much of that has to do with economic development,” Phillips said.
Phillips’ public service record includes working on behalf of small and minority-owned businesses, reforming juvenile justice, expanding public safety efforts and advocating for immigrant protections. But Phillips says his passion for service goes deeper than legislation.
“I think public service is the rent you pay for the space that you occupy,” he said.
Long before entering elected office, Phillips worked as a community advocate, attorney and founder of Black Professional Men Inc., an organization that has mentored and supported young Black men for more than three decades.
Phillips serves on the Judiciary Committee, where he believes reforming the system creates progress.
“I’ve taken trips to at least five different prisons…because I know that if we want to get our recidivism rates down, then we have to improve those systems,” Phillips said.
Phillips says the job has reshaped his daily life, turning volunteer commitments into a full-time responsibility to serve. Still, he embraces the pace and views each day as an opportunity to make a difference.
“Almost every day I am doing something in and for the community, and I don’t take that responsibility lightly,” Phillips said.
He believes voters should look beyond campaign promises and carefully consider what motivates candidates. In his view, public office should be about purpose, not self-interest.
“I’d ask the voters to really look at folks and try to discern motivation… I believe we really want people in office that are motivated by the mission, not by personal aggrandizement,” he said.
At the heart of his campaign are two core beliefs that he says guide every decision he makes: giving back and taking ownership of one’s actions.
“If it is to be, it is up to me. We’ve got to make things happen. We’ve got to believe in ourselves, but then we got to go out and execute,” he said.
Phillips will be on the ballot in 2026 along with Jennifer White Holland and Maryland Speaker of the House Adrienne A. Jones, who are both running for the democratic party as well.