Elaine Phillips
Elaine Phillips | |
|---|---|
| Born | Elaine Reidman |
| Occupation(s) | Politician, financial analyst |
| Known for | Nassau County Comptroller; New York State Senator; Mayor of Flower Hill, New York |
Elaine Phillips (born Reidman) is an American politician currently holding the office of Nassau County Comptroller, a role she has occupied since January 2022. She secured this position with a significant margin, defeating Democrat Ryan Cronin by 61% to 39%, taking over from the retiring Jack Schnirman. Prior to this, Phillips served as the representative for the New York State Senate's 7th district and was the 18th Mayor of Flower Hill, New York. A member of the Republican Party, she was elected to the State Senate in 2016 but was unsuccessful in her 2018 re-election campaign.
Life and career
Phillips grew up in Pennsylvania. Her father, John Reidman, worked in the steel industry and passed away when she was twelve years old; her mother, Betty Reidman, was employed as a cook at a local American Legion post. She holds a bachelor's degree in political science as well as an M.B.A. in Finance from Penn State University. Over a span exceeding two decades, Phillips worked as a financial analyst at prominent corporations such as Met Life, JP Morgan Securities, and ultimately advanced to vice president of Institutional Sales at Goldman Sachs.
Elaine and her husband Andy are parents to three daughters.
Mayor of Flower Hill, New York (2012–2016)
Between 2012 and 2016, Phillips held the office of mayor in Flower Hill, New York. Her administration was marked by tax reductions and financial stabilization of the village’s budget, which had faced criticism under previous leadership. She introduced an environmental initiative aimed at expanding tree planting efforts, leading to Flower Hill being honored as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Committee.
Phillips made history as the first woman to serve as mayor of Flower Hill.
New York State Senator (2017–2018)
Following State Senator Jack Martins’ decision to pursue a congressional seat in 2016, Phillips sought his vacated Senate position with his endorsement. Campaigning on issues such as tax relief, addressing the heroin crisis, and enhancing ethics regulations amid corruption controversies in Albany, she ran unopposed for the Republican nomination.
In a closely contested election for the Seventh district seat, Phillips narrowly defeated Democrat Adam M. Haber with 51% of the vote compared to Haber’s 49%, officially taking office on January 1, 2017.
She was defeated in her bid for re-election in 2018 by Democrat Anna Kaplan.
Nassau County Comptroller (since 2022)
Phillips achieved election as Nassau County Comptroller in November 2021, becoming the first woman to hold this position and winning with 61 percent of the vote.
Election results
- November 2016 general election, New York State Senate, 7th Senate District
Elaine R. Phillips (REP - CON - IND – REF) 69,438 Adam M. Haber (DEM - WFP - WEP) 66,029
- November 2021 general election, Nassau County Comptroller
Elaine R. Phillips (REP - CON) 163,146 Ryan E. Cronin (DEM - WFP) 114,349
External links
- Senator Elaine Phillips official site