Sophie Phillips

Sophie Phillips is a Democratic member of the Delaware House of Representatives, representing District 18. Born in 1995 or 1996, she is Delaware's youngest state legislator and the only Asian American ever elected to the General Assembly. She is of mixed African, Indian, Caribbean, and European descent.

Phillips first came to public attention as the 2021 Miss Delaware, competing in the Miss America pageant where she was named a Top 5 finalist for the Justice and Equity Award. She used her title to advocate for environmental justice, focusing on issues such as flooding and development in Sussex County. Before her political career, she worked as a Wildlife Ecologist and as Director of Talent Management and Operations at SheisMotivated.

During her college years at the University of Delaware, Phillips became involved in Title IX advocacy, helping to create the "kNOw MORE" campaign educating the university community about sexual violence, healthy relationships, and discrimination. As a community leader, she has organized grassroots projects including community gardens and women's empowerment workshops, and has worked with environmental and social impact groups throughout Delaware to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Education

Phillips earned a Bachelor of Science Degree with Distinction from the University of Delaware in Environmental and Marine Science. She also holds a Master's Degree from the University of Delaware in Energy and Environmental Policy.

Political Experience

Phillips was elected to the Delaware House of Representatives in 2022, winning over 70% of the vote in her race against Republican Gloria Hope Payne. She succeeded Democrat David Bentz, who retired from the position.

As a state representative, Phillips has focused her work on environmental justice with an emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion in parks. She has worked on expanding urban green space in Wilmington, Delaware and in Baltimore, Maryland in partnership with community groups. She also taught communities how to grow, harvest, and cook their own food through community garden initiatives.

Phillips serves on six House committees: Agriculture , Judiciary , Labor , Natural Resources & Energy , Veterans Affairs , and Elections & Government Affairs . Her legislative priorities include workers' rights and wages, education, and equitable environmental policy.