Tonya Myers Phillips is a Democratic member of the Michigan House of Representatives, serving the 7th district since 2025. This district includes portions of Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park. Born on March 18, 1977, in Detroit, she is married to Nathaniel Phillips Jr. and has one child, Nathaniel Ryan Phillips III. An attorney with over 20 years of experience, she focuses on environmental justice, workers' rights, affordable housing, criminal justice reform, and expanding access to legal services for low-income communities. Notable achievements include co-founding the Detroit Right to Counsel Coalition, which secured Michigan's first right to counsel law for low-income families facing eviction; serving on the Detroit Charter Revision Commission ; designing an anti-human trafficking program; and working as a housing attorney helping vulnerable individuals avoid foreclosure. She won the 2024 election with 68% in the Democratic primary and 79% in the general. She serves on the Energy and Natural Resources and Tourism committees.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Graduated from Renaissance High School in 1995; bachelor's degree with honors from University of Michigan-Ann Arbor ; J.D. from University of Michigan Law School . Adjunct professor at Wayne State University Law School.
• Political Experience: Elected to Michigan House in 2024 for District 7 . Previously served on Detroit Charter Revision Commission .
• Professional Experience: Began career at Sugar Law Center for Economic and Social Justice, addressing environmental justice, Detroit Living Wage Ordinance, and community benefits agreements. Private practice representing indigent criminal defendants. Housing attorney at Michigan Legal Services, aiding seniors and disabled persons. Advocate for government accountability, civil liberties, and economic rights.