His term began February 1, 2012 upon the resignation of his predecessor Susan Mosier.
Phillips was chosen by 21 of the 39 GOP precinct representatives in the 67th district on the condition that he would seek reelection in 2012.
[1] Phillips was elected to a full term in the November 2012 general election, defeating Democrat Aaron Estabrook.
He had previous political experience as a city commissioner and mayor of Manhattan, Kansas.
Phillips sponsored one bill and ten resolutions in the 2012 session.