Ted Philips has served as the state representative for the 8th Norfolk District—which includes Sharon and parts of Mansfield, Stoughton, and Walpole—on Beacon Hill since 2021. Although he was born in Boston, Sharon is the place he has always called home.
“We moved to Sharon when I was just three months old,” he recalled. Growing up with a father who spent 41 years teaching middle school, Philips learned early about the value of education and community.
The oldest of three boys, Philips grew up in an environment full of opportunities and challenges. He attended Heights Elementary School and Sharon Middle School, finally graduating from Sharon High School in 2001.
Philips recalled that teachers such as Mr. Fazzio and Ms. Turner noticed early on that Philips wasn’t afraid to ask questions or take initiative. They encouraged him to pursue leadership positions within the school, where his first taste of leadership came through student government. “I ran for homeroom representative in my freshman year, and I discovered I really, really liked it,” he said. “Working with the administration to improve student life and advocating for my peers was something I was passionate about.”
That early experience taught him that leadership is about making a positive difference in others’ lives. But leadership wasn’t the only way Philips found his voice. Through theater, he learned public speaking, confidence, and how to connect with an audience, all skills that would later serve him as a politician. “Sandy Dennis, our director, helped me become comfortable speaking in public,” Philips said. “It’s amazing how skills you learn in unexpected places like theater can shape your future in ways you never imagined.”
During his time at Sharon High, Philips performed in Once on This Island (as Tonton Julian, 1998), Guys & Dolls (as Sky Masterson, 1999), and Once Upon a Mattress (as Sir Harry, 2000). He also participated in the Massachusetts Theater Guild Festival every year and was consistently involved in the Spring plays, contributing as both an actor and director.
When it came time for college, Philips knew he wanted to pursue politics. Although he considered universities in Washington D.C., including George Washington, American, and Georgetown, he ultimately chose UMass Amherst. A conversation with a political science professor helped cement the decision. “He told me, ‘We can teach you everything you need about government here, for a fraction of the cost.’ It just made sense,” Philips explained. At UMass, he not only honed his academic skills but also built lifelong friendships and networks that would support him in his career.
Philips’ path into public service began almost by chance: a friend tipped him off about an internship in the office of a central Massachusetts senator. After a year, he was approached by State Representative Lou Kafka with an invitation to join his office. Philips worked there for 15 years, learning the intricacies of government, constituent service, and legislation. When Kafka retired in 2020, Philips ran for office himself.
Philips divides his time between Boston, where he crafts his own bills and helps review, shape, and advance thousands of other pieces of legislation through his committee work, while also assisting constituents with complex issues: “Some days, I’m helping residents get the benefits they’re entitled to; other days, I’m drafting and reviewing bills, working on committees, and voting on laws. Every day is different, and every day matters.”
Philips acknowledged widespread cynicism toward the government. “People are skeptical about what government can do,” he says. “But I’ve seen firsthand that government can make a tangible, positive difference in people’s lives.”
One of Philips’ proudest accomplishments came as a staffer for Representative Kafka. A family reached out because their child, born with a cleft palate, faced tens of thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs for surgery. After investigating, Philips helped draft legislation requiring health insurance coverage for such surgeries. The law passed, costing just a penny per policy. “Seeing the gratitude and even tears of relief—that’s when I truly understood why public service matters,” Philips said.
Today, Philips continues to tackle pressing issues, including environmental protection and water infrastructure. He is working on acts such as the Plastic Reduction Act to limit single-use plastics and advocating for modernizing aging water systems. “People take clean water for granted,” he noted. “But ensuring safe water is as essential as maintaining our roads and bridges. It’s about protecting our community and planning for the future.”
For Philips, representing Sharon is a privilege and a dream realized. “Sharon has given me everything,” he said. “To be able to give back and make a difference in the place that shaped me—it’s incredible.” He added that he enjoys watching the town evolve in exciting ways, becoming more diverse culturally, religiously, and demographically, and feels honored to represent a rich tapestry of people.
Even with a demanding schedule, Philips finds time for family and hobbies. He enjoys reading, watching TV with his wife Bridget, and playing fantasy football, a tradition begun in Sharon High that’s now 23 years strong. “I haven’t won in a few years, but I’m aiming to reclaim the championship this year,” he said with a grin. It is also common to see Philips attending and supporting various local events, from senior Thanksgiving luncheons to Veterans’ Day programs.
Professionally, Philips’ goal is to deepen the work he’s already doing for Sharon and the entire district. Taking on more responsibilities within the Massachusetts House, the representative hopes to expand his impact for Sharon and all the communities he represents. Personally, he aims to continue cherishing life with his wife, dog Lincoln, and his nieces and nephews. “Life is very fulfilling,” he said, “and my personal goal is to keep that good thing going.”
To students at Sharon High, Philips offers inspiring advice: “Try a bit of everything. You never know what will spark your passion. I became a homeroom rep by accident, discovered I loved student government, and eventually found myself representing my town on Beacon Hill.”