District 7 Primary Election Profile: Tom Phillips​

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ — House of Representatives 7th Congressional District preliminary election on July 7 has four candidates running for one open seat as Congressperson. Tom Phillips, 43, is one of three Republicans running against Democratic incumbent Tom Malinowski.

Phillips has worked in Finance, Human Resources and Business Administration for the past 20 years.

His family includes his wife Jen, and 3 sons ages 7, 5, and 1.

Phillips has Bachelor of Arts from Drew University '99, Master of Science from New York University '08, and Master of Business Administration from Rutgers University '15.

Campaign website

www.phillips2020.net

Why are you seeking elective office?

I don't feel a cliched call to public service, or have some ideological crusade to wage. I'm just a concerned father of three who wants to make sure that our kids have access to the best opportunities in their future, that we look out for our friends and neighbors, secure the retirement years for our parents, and make sure that the politicians in Washington put all Americans first.

The single most pressing issue facing our community is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Currently, it's the statewide lock down from the Wuhan coronavirus, and getting our economy opened back up in a safe and efficient manner. We need to scale testing and create a contact tracing program in order to help put people's minds at ease so that we will feel safe to return to life in a more normal setting. Federal and state governments are already at work accomplishing this. Before the pandemic hit, the biggest threat to our future was our national debt, which has been exacerbated by the current crisis. We need people in Washington on both sides of the aisle that wont bankrupt future generations by balancing the budget and chipping away at our $25 trillion debt.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I'm pro-life, not satisfied with New Jersey's infringement on constitutional rights (notably the lack of respect for the 2nd Amendment), and not a career politician. I also grew up in the district and resided within for more than 35 years. I'm also a lifelong conservative who believes in our party's core beliefs of limited government, protection of the innocent, and personal liberty.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

• Congressional term limits.
• Social Security and Medicare modernization for those 50 and under.
• Federal student loan reform capping borrowing and interest rates.
• Putting Americans First.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Lead by example. If you're too big for the small jobs then you're too small for the big ones.