Phil Gordon

Phil Gordon (born April 18, 1951) is an American politician who served as the 58th mayor of Phoenix, Arizona from 2004 to 2012 and a member of the Phoenix City Council. Gordon is a member of the Democratic Party. Early life, education, and early career Born to Sidney and Judy Gordon, he is the oldest of three children and the grandson of a Lithuanian Jewish immigrant. In 1960, the Gordon family moved to Phoenix, where Phil attended Madison Meadows Elementary and Middle School and Central High School. He attended the University of Arizona and graduated with a bachelor's degree in education. After earning his undergraduate degree, Gordon entered Arizona State University Law. Gordon has had worked in a variety of professions, including as a school teacher, a lawyer, a business owner, and a chairman of Landiscor Aerial Photography Company, as well serving on the Madison School Board. After serving as chief of staff to a former Phoenix Mayor in 1996, Gordon's interest in Phoenix became his incentive to seek public office. Pledging to fight crime and preserve neighborhoods, he entered the race for Phoenix City Council and was elected in 1997 and 2001.