John Phillips (Florida)

John Phillips (Republican Party) (also known as Captain) is running for election to the Florida House of Representatives to represent District 72. He declared candidacy for the 2026 election.^[source]

Phillips completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

John Phillips earned a degree from Columbia College in 2016. He began serving in the U.S. Coast Guard in 1994.^[1]

Elections

2026

Note: At this time, Ballotpedia is combining all declared candidates for this election into one list under a general election heading. As primary election dates are published, this information will be updated to separate general election candidates from primary candidates as appropriate.

General election

The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.

General election for Florida House of Representatives District 72

Incumbent Bill Conerly and John Phillips are running in the general election for Florida House of Representatives District 72 on November 3, 2026.

		Candidate
		Bill Conerly (R)
		John Phillips (R)

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined.
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Endorsements

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Campaign themes

2026

Ballotpedia survey responses

John Phillips completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Phillips' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

John Phillips is a retired U.S. Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CWO4) with 31 years of military service, leadership, and community commitment. Throughout his career, he worked in high-stakes operational roles, managed teams, and supported missions that protected Florida’s waterways and national security. Phillips is running for Florida House District 72 to bring accountability, transparency, and practical problem-solving back to state leadership. As a lifelong public servant, he believes Florida’s families deserve responsible growth, strong public schools, and policies rooted in common sense rather than politics. His campaign focuses on protecting local decision-making, safeguarding natural resources, and ensuring taxpayer dollars are used wisely. Phillips aims to continue his service in the Legislature by putting people before politics and standing up for the communities of District 72.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Slow the growth and community planning first— John promises “no more unchecked development,” advocating for responsible, sustainable growth that preserves infrastructure, limits flooding risks, and protects green space, while requiring developers to pay fair impact fees instead of burdening taxpayers.
Support for families, education, public safety, and veterans — Phillips emphasizes support for strong, accountable public education with parental rights and transparency, backing law enforcement, protecting constitutional freedoms, and advocating for military members, veterans, and their families, drawing on his 31-year career in the U.S. Coast Guard.
Fiscal responsibility and protecting taxpayers — Phillips pledges to cut government waste, reduce taxes, and demand fiscal oversight in Tallahassee so that working families retain more of their paycheck.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

John "Captain" Phillips is committed to slowing reckless growth, restoring local control, and putting Manatee County residents before self-serving developers. He supports responsible planning that protects roads, schools, and infrastructure from overburdening. Phillips is passionate about conserving wetlands, safeguarding natural resources, and preventing flooding by ending the practice of paving over critical land. His policies prioritize taxpayers, community safety, and protecting the character of Manatee County from greedy development interests.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

This office is unique because it serves as the direct voice of the people in the state legislative process. A member of the Florida House has the power to write, amend, and vote on the laws that shape everything from growth and development to public safety, education, and environmental protection. What makes it so important is that it is the closest link between everyday citizens and state government. This office carries the responsibility of balancing statewide needs with the real-world impact on local communities. A strong representative can defend home rule, stand up to special interests, and ensure that the values and priorities of their district are reflected in Florida’s laws.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to my older sister. She has always taught me the power of hard work. She exemplifies the notion of ensuring that you are always able to stand on your own "two feet." It is no one else's job to "bail you out" of your issues. Perseverance, dedication, and always doing what is right will ensure that you are equipped to do this work.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

The most important characteristics of an elected official are honesty, accessibility, and loyalty to the people—not to special interests. Voters deserve someone who brings their voices to Tallahassee and keeps them there. Too often, politicians talk a good game during campaign season, then disappear once elected. That silence isn’t an accident—it's a sign they’re serving special interests instead of the community. An effective representative should communicate often, listen actively, and fight for the people who sent them there. Accountability, transparency, and constant engagement are not optional—they are the job.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibilities of someone elected to this office are to protect the interests of the people they represent, ensure responsible and transparent use of taxpayer dollars, and safeguard the long-term wellbeing of the community. A representative must evaluate legislation through the lens of local impact—especially on infrastructure, growth, public safety, and natural resources. They must stay accessible, communicate openly, and be accountable for every vote they cast. Ultimately, the job is to be a true voice for the district, uphold ethical leadership, and put residents above politics and special interests at all times.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to ensure that I have created a safe and environmentally protected community whereby my grandchildren can live, be proud of and thrive, which also consists of ensuring that American values are upheld. Our forefathers wanted to ensure government by the people ensuring a government was put in place that served the people and not one that ruled over them. I would love to see people truly understanding issues and seeing the government with a level of transparency so that people don't have to search layers deep to follow a trail of money to know what is really happening. That people are able to vote for their values.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The explosion of the shuttle Challeger - I stayed home from school othat day, I believe I was in 6th grade. January 28th, 1986.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Albertson's Grocery Store - 3.5 yrs. Started out as a "bagger" and worked my way up to night crew chief.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The dictionary has always been and will always be my favorite book. There is power in words and we often use words without knowing their true meaning. My second favorite book, Mark Twain's, Life in the Mississippi. I read this book at a pivotal point in my life and this journey spoke to me.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Iron Man

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Seeing America move away from Christian values and seeing openly corrupt people succeeding and winning with no accountability.

What responsibilities of this office do you personally consider the most important?

The responsibilities I consider most important are protecting the people’s interests, safeguarding our community from harmful policies, and ensuring every decision in Tallahassee reflects the needs of District 72—not special interests. My 31 years in the U.S. Coast Guard taught me duty, accountability, and service before self. I’ve spent my career solving problems, leading teams, and protecting Florida’s waterways and communities. Those experiences shape how I approach this office: with discipline, integrity, and a commitment to put residents first. That means slowing reckless growth, protecting wetlands and natural resources, and making sure infrastructure, schools, and public safety are prioritized. Above all, I believe a representative must stay accessible, engaged, and accountable to the people they serve.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

One of the little-known powers of this office is how directly a state representative can influence local issues—often far more than people realize. From shaping growth and development rules to deciding how tax dollars are spent, this office has a major impact on daily life in our counties. Representatives also sit on committees that control everything from environmental protections to transportation funding, giving them the ability to safeguard (or weaken) home rule and local authority. Another overlooked responsibility is oversight: holding state agencies, contractors, and even developers accountable when they fail to follow the law or protect the public. Most people don’t realize how much power this office has over the policies that affect their neighborhoods, their water, their roads, and their quality of life—which is exactly why it matters who holds it.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

Experience in politics can help, but it’s not the most important qualification. What truly matters is proven leadership, accountability, and a lifelong commitment to service. During my 31 years in the U.S. Coast Guard, I earned four Commendation Medals and seven Achievement Medals—recognition for excellence, integrity, and mission success. I spent over 18 years in command positions (including 8 years as second in command and over 10 years as an Officer in Charge or Commanding Officer), leading units, overseeing operations, and protecting the communities we served. That level of responsibility taught me how to make mission-critical decisions, manage people effectively, and stay accountable under pressure. Those skills translate directly into disciplined, responsible lawmaking. And because I’m not tied to political insiders or special interests, I lead with integrity, mission focus, and unwavering loyalty to the people I serve—qualities far more important than time spent in politics.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

The most helpful skills for someone holding this office are strong leadership, clear decision-making, and the ability to listen and problem-solve. A representative must be able to cut through political noise, understand complex issues, and make choices that protect the people—not special interests. Experience managing teams, budgets, and high-pressure situations is invaluable, because this role often requires quick, informed decisions that impact entire communities. Integrity, accountability, and communication skills are just as important. My 31 years in the U.S. Coast Guard developed these abilities—leading missions, coordinating operations, and keeping people safe. Ultimately, the best representatives bring discipline, common sense, and a service-minded approach to every issue they face.

Do you support or oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative process? If so, what kind of changes would you consider?

I believe Florida’s current ballot initiative process is both appropriate and adequate. It sets a fair balance between ensuring broad public support and preserving the integrity of our state constitution. The signature requirements, geographic distribution, and 60% approval threshold make sure that only proposals with strong, statewide backing make it onto the ballot and into law. Most importantly, the process protects the ability of everyday citizens—not politicians or special interests—to bring forward issues that matter to them. I support maintaining the current system because it empowers voters while safeguarding our constitution from misuse.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

Raising 7 children that all turned out to be truly good people of moral character.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Note: Phillips submitted the above survey responses to Ballotpedia on November 30, 2025.

September 29 submission

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

John “Captain” Phillips is a 31-year veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard and candidate for Florida House District 72. A lifelong Floridian, he has lived in Florida for over 30 years and in Bradenton for 13. He spent his career serving and protecting our coasts, most recently as a Chief Warrant Officer 4. His Coast Guard service included multiple command tours, humanitarian missions, and leadership roles ensuring navigation safety, disaster response, and preservation of life and property.

Phillips is not a career politician and is not backed by special interests or big developers. His “special interests” are his family and Florida’s future. He believes words like “family first” and “servant leadership” must mean more than campaign slogans.

Public service runs in his family: with a wife who is a public school administrator, two daughters serving in the military, a stepson who is a Manatee County firefighter, a son-in-law who is a sheriff’s detective, and a daughter who is an elementary teacher turned full-time mom. He epitomizes being a true public servant. These ties to veterans, first responders, teachers, and working families give him a unique perspective on the issues that matter most.

Phillips is running to stand up for families, support veterans and first responders, ensure responsible growth, and fight wasteful spending and special-interest influence. His proven record of leadership and integrity reflects his lifelong commitment to serving the people of Florida.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Florida’s growth must be responsible, not reckless. John “Captain” Phillips has lived in Florida for over 30 years and seen firsthand how rapid, unchecked development strains our roads, schools, and natural resources. He believes families, not big developers or special interests, should guide the future of our communities. As your State Representative, he will fight for smart growth, protect our environment, and ensure infrastructure and services keep pace so Manatee County remains a place where families can thrive.
Johnny Phillips is not a big-money candidate and will never answer to special interests or out-of-town developers. His “special interests” are his family, neighbors, and the future of Florida. Too often, decisions about our communities are made in Tallahassee by those influenced by lobbyists and big donors. Johnny believes control should stay local, with families and communities shaping growth, schools, and services. In Tallahassee, he will fight to protect local voices and ensure government works for the people — not the powerful.
Johnny Phillips believes taxpayers deserve better than wasteful spending and bloated government. As a Coast Guard officer, he managed people, resources, and missions with accountability and efficiency — skills he’ll bring to Tallahassee. Johnny will fight to ensure your tax dollars are used wisely, prioritize essential services like public safety and education, and oppose reckless spending driven by special interests. He knows every dollar matters to Florida families, and he’ll work to protect their hard-earned money.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Johnny Phillips is committed to responsible growth, ensuring development is sustainable, safe, and protective of critical spaces like our wetlands. He will stand with veterans, first responders, law enforcement, and educators, ensuring they have the resources and respect they deserve. He believes in fiscal responsibility, making sure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely on essential services. His priorities are clear: protect families, strengthen communities, and put people before politics.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

The Florida House of Representatives is unique because it is the people’s voice closest to the community. Members of this office shape state laws, approve budgets, and make critical decisions that directly affect everyday life — from education and infrastructure to public safety and local growth. Its importance lies in being both a lawmaking body and a steward of taxpayer dollars. What makes it powerful is also what makes it a responsibility: every vote should reflect the will of the people in the district, not special interests in Tallahassee.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

For 31 years in the U.S. Coast Guard, I lived by the core values of Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty. Those principles guided every decision I made in service to our nation, and they remain just as important now as I seek to serve the people of District 72. An elected official must be honest, transparent, and accountable to the people they represent. They must listen more than they speak, stand firm against special interests, and put families and communities first. To me, public office is not about politics — it’s about service, integrity, and keeping faith with those you are entrusted to lead.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibility of anyone elected to the Florida House is to serve the people, not special interests. That means listening to constituents, protecting their values, and ensuring laws and budgets reflect the needs of families, not lobbyists. For me, that includes keeping growth responsible and sustainable, protecting vital spaces like wetlands, supporting veterans, first responders, and educators, and ensuring tax dollars are spent wisely. At its heart, the job is about stewardship — safeguarding our communities today while preparing Florida for the generations to come.

What legacy would you like to leave?

The legacy I want to leave for my grandchildren is a community where they can grow up safe, proud, and hopeful about their future. I want them to inherit a Florida that protects its natural beauty, values strong schools, and honors those who serve. More than anything, I want them to remember their grandfather as someone who stood for honor, respect, and devotion to duty — not just in the Coast Guard, but in the way he worked to make life better for families. My greatest hope is that when they raise their own children here, they’ll know their future was made brighter because we chose to put people before politics.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My very first job was at Albertson’s, where I worked for about three and a half years. Let’s just say I learned pretty quickly that stocking shelves and bagging groceries weren’t my lifelong calling. What it did teach me, though, was the value of hard work — and that the Coast Guard was probably going to be a much better fit for me than chasing runaway shopping carts in the parking lot.

What responsibilities of this office do you personally consider the most important?

The most important responsibility of this office is to listen to the people of District 72 and represent their interests with honesty and integrity.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

The most helpful skills for this office are leadership, accountability, and the ability to listen and solve problems. An effective representative must understand how to manage resources responsibly, build consensus, and make decisions that put people first. Integrity, transparency, and standing firm against special interests are also essential. My 31 years in the Coast Guard gave me experience in leadership, crisis management, and stewardship — skills I will now use to serve District 72 with honor, respect, and devotion to duty.

Do you support or oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative process? If so, what kind of changes would you consider?

I support maintaining a robust ballot-initiative process as a valuable check in our representative system—giving citizens a means to act where the Legislature may be unwilling or too slow. But I also believe it’s reasonable to adopt modest safeguards to protect the integrity of the process—so long as those safeguards don’t become barriers that shut out ordinary citizens or give advantage to large, well-funded interests.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

Of all my accomplishments, the one I am most proud of is the family I’ve raised. My children have each chosen paths of service — in the military, in education, in public safety, and in law enforcement. Their commitment to protecting, teaching, and supporting others is the greatest reflection of what matters most to me. Medals and promotions in the Coast Guard meant a lot, but nothing compares to seeing your own children carry forward the values of honor, respect, and service to others. That is the legacy I am proudest of.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Note: Phillips submitted the above survey responses to Ballotpedia on September 29, 2025.

Campaign finance summary

Campaign finance information for this candidate is not yet available from OpenSecrets. That information will be published here once it is available.

External links

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Candidate

Florida House of Representatives District 72

Personal

Footnotes

↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on September 29, 2025

[show]

Current members of the Florida House of Representatives

Leadership

Speaker of the House:Daniel Perez

Majority Leader:Tyler Sirois

Minority Leader:Fentrice Driskell

Representatives

District 1

Michelle Salzman (R)

District 2

Alex Andrade (R)

District 3

Nathan Boyles (R)

District 4

T. Patterson Maney (R)

District 5

Shane Abbott (R)

District 6

Philip Griffitts (R)

District 7

Jason Shoaf (R)

District 8

Gallop Franklin (D)

District 9

Allison Tant (D)

District 10

Chuck Brannan (R)

District 11

Sam Garrison (R)

District 12

Wyman Duggan (R)

District 13

Angela Nixon (D)

District 14

Kimberly Daniels (D)

District 15

Dean Black (R)

District 16

Kiyan Michael (R)

District 17

Jessica Baker (R)

District 18

Kim Kendall (R)

District 19

Sam Greco (R)

District 20

Judson Sapp (R)

District 21

Yvonne Hinson (D)

District 22

Chad Johnson (R)

District 23

J.J. Grow (R)

District 24

Ryan Chamberlin (R)

District 25

Taylor Yarkosky (R)

District 26

Nan Cobb (R)

District 27

Richard Gentry (R)

District 28

Bill Partington (R)

District 29

Webster Barnaby (R)

District 30

Chase Tramont (R)

District 31

Tyler Sirois (R)

District 32

Brian Hodgers (R)

District 33

Monique Miller (R)

District 34

Robert Brackett (R)

District 35

Erika Booth (R)

District 36

Rachel Plakon (R)

District 37

Susan Plasencia (R)

District 38

David Smith (R)

District 39

Doug Bankson (R)

District 40

RaShon Young (D)

District 41

Bruce Antone (D)

District 42

Anna Eskamani (D)

District 43

Johanna López (D)

District 44

Jennifer Harris (D)

District 45

Leonard Spencer (D)

District 46

Jose Alvarez (D)

District 47

Paula Stark (R)

District 48

Jon Albert (R)

District 49

Jennifer Kincart Jonsson (R)

District 50

Jennifer Canady (R)

District 51

Josie Tomkow (R)

District 52

Vacant

District 53

Jeff Holcomb (R)

District 54

Randy Maggard (R)

District 55

Kevin Steele (R)

District 56

Brad Yeager (R)

District 57

Adam Anderson (R)

District 58

Kimberly Berfield (R)

District 59

Berny Jacques (R)

District 60

Lindsay Cross (D)

District 61

Linda Chaney (R)

District 62

Michele Rayner (D)

District 63

Dianne Hart (D)

District 64

Susan Valdes (R)

District 65

Karen Gonzalez Pittman (R)

District 66

Traci Koster (R)

District 67

Fentrice Driskell (D)

District 68

Lawrence McClure (R)

District 69

Danny Alvarez (R)

District 70

Michael Owen (R)

District 71

Will Robinson (R)

District 72

Bill Conerly (R)

District 73

Fiona McFarland (R)

District 74

James Buchanan (R)

District 75

Danny Nix (R)

District 76

Vanessa Oliver (R)

District 77

Tiffany Esposito (R)

District 78

Jenna Persons-Mulicka (R)

District 79

Mike Giallombardo (R)

District 80

Adam Botana (R)

District 81

Yvette Benarroch (R)

District 82

Lauren Melo (R)

District 83

Kaylee Tuck (R)

District 84

Dana Trabulsy (R)

District 85

Toby Overdorf (R)

District 86

John Snyder (R)

District 87

Vacant

District 88

Jervonte Edmonds (D)

District 89

Debra Tendrich (D)

District 90

Rob Long (D)

District 91

Peggy Gossett-Seidman (R)

District 92

Kelly Skidmore (D)

District 93

Anne Gerwig (R)

District 94

Meg Weinberger (R)

District 95

Christine Hunschofsky (D)

District 96

Dan Daley (D)

District 97

Lisa Dunkley (D)

District 98

Mitch Rosenwald (D)

District 99

Daryl Campbell (D)

District 100

Chip LaMarca (R)

District 101

Hillary Cassel (R)

District 102

Michael Gottlieb (D)

District 103

Robin Bartleman (D)

District 104

Felicia Simone Robinson (D)

District 105

Marie Woodson (D)

District 106

Fabián Basabe (R)

District 107

Wallace Aristide (D)

District 108

Dotie Joseph (D)

District 109

Ashley Gantt (D)

District 110

Tom Fabricio (R)

District 111

David Borrero (R)

District 112

Alex Rizo (R)

District 113

Vacant

District 114

Demi Busatta Cabrera (R)

District 115

Omar Blanco (R)

District 116

Daniel Perez (R)

District 117

Kevin Chambliss (D)

District 118

Mike Redondo (R)

District 119

Juan Carlos Porras (R)

District 120

Jim Mooney (R)

Republican Party (84)

Democratic Party (33)

Vacancies (3)

[1] Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on September 29, 2025

[1]

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John Phillips (Florida)

Contents

Biography

Elections

2026

General election

General election for Florida House of Representatives District 72

Endorsements

Campaign themes

2026

Ballotpedia survey responses

Campaign finance summary

See also

External links

Footnotes

Information about voting

2026 Elections

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Election analysis

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