Greg Stanton

Greg Stanton
Born	Gregory John Stanton 8 3, 1970
Birthplace	Long Island, New York, U.S.
Nationality	American
Occupation	Politician, lawyer
Known for	U.S. Representative from Arizona; 60th Mayor of Phoenix
Education	Marquette University (BA) University of Michigan Law School (JD)
Children	2
Website	[stanton.house.gov Official site]

Gregory John Stanton (born March 8, 1970) is an American lawyer and politician serving as the U.S. representative from Arizona's 4th congressional district since January 2019. A member of the Democratic Party, Stanton previously served as the 60th Mayor of Phoenix from 2012 to 2018 and as a member of the Phoenix City Council from 2000 to 2009. Born on Long Island, New York, Stanton built his political career in Phoenix, Arizona, rising from city council member to the leader of the fifth-largest city in the United States before transitioning to federal office. He succeeded Kyrsten Sinema in the U.S. House of Representatives after winning the 2018 congressional election and has been re-elected in 2020, 2022, and 2024. In Congress, Stanton has been an active member of the New Democrat Coalition and has focused on issues including affordability, infrastructure, diplomacy, and small business policy.

Early Life

Gregory John Stanton was born on March 8, 1970, on Long Island, New York. He grew up in a working-class family and later relocated to the southwestern United States to pursue his education and career. Stanton's upbringing on Long Island informed his perspective on urban governance and public service, themes that would become central to his political career in Phoenix, Arizona.

Education

Stanton attended Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. He then pursued legal studies at the University of Michigan Law School, graduating with a Juris Doctor degree. His legal education provided the foundation for a career that initially centered on law before shifting to public office. After completing his law degree, Stanton moved to Arizona, where he began practicing law and becoming involved in local politics in the Phoenix metropolitan area.

Career

Phoenix City Council (2000–2009)

Stanton began his career in elected office when he was chosen to serve on the Phoenix City Council, a position he held from 2000 until 2009. During his tenure on the council, Stanton gained experience in municipal governance and developed a record on issues relating to urban development, public safety, and city services in one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the United States. His years on the city council established him as a prominent figure in Phoenix's Democratic political circles and positioned him for a future run for higher office.

As a council member, Stanton became familiar with the complex dynamics of governing a large, rapidly expanding Sun Belt city, including challenges related to water resources, transportation infrastructure, and economic development. His time on the council also allowed him to build relationships with various constituencies across Phoenix, from business leaders to neighborhood associations, which would prove instrumental in his later mayoral campaigns.

Mayor of Phoenix (2012–2018)

After departing the city council, Stanton entered the 2011 Phoenix mayoral race. The campaign drew significant attention as a contest that would determine the leadership of the nation's sixth-largest city (at the time). Stanton ran as a Democrat in the nonpartisan municipal election and demonstrated strong fundraising capability early in the race.

The initial round of voting took place in the fall of 2011. Stanton advanced to a runoff against Republican-backed candidate Wes Gullett. In the November 2011 runoff election, Stanton defeated Gullett to become the next mayor of Phoenix. He was sworn into office as the 60th Mayor of Phoenix on January 3, 2012, succeeding Phil Gordon, with Thelda Williams having served as interim mayor during the transition period.

As mayor, Stanton presided over Phoenix during a period of economic recovery following the Great Recession, which had hit Arizona particularly hard. He focused on issues including economic development, transportation, education, and sustainability. His administration attracted recognition from national publications; Governing magazine profiled Stanton for his leadership of the city.

During his tenure, Stanton also navigated municipal fiscal issues. In 2013, the Phoenix city manager was involved in a dispute regarding a food tax repeal effort, reflecting the ongoing debates over city revenue sources and taxation that characterized Stanton's time in office.

Stanton was reelected as mayor in 2015, securing a second term. He continued to focus on infrastructure investment and economic growth during his second term. Under his leadership, Phoenix pursued light rail expansion, worked to attract new businesses and employers, and addressed issues related to urban heat and water sustainability—key concerns for a desert metropolitan area.

In interviews during his time as mayor, Stanton discussed his approach to urban governance and his vision for the city's future, emphasizing themes of pragmatic problem-solving and bipartisan cooperation at the local level.

Stanton served as mayor until May 29, 2018, when he resigned to focus on his campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives. Thelda Williams again served as interim mayor following his departure, and Kate Gallego was subsequently elected to succeed him.

U.S. House of Representatives (2019–present)

2018 Election

In 2018, Stanton announced his candidacy for Arizona's 9th congressional district, the seat being vacated by Kyrsten Sinema, who was running for the U.S. Senate. The district encompassed parts of the East Valley and central Phoenix. In the November 2018 general election, Stanton defeated Republican nominee Steve Ferrara to win the seat. He took office on January 3, 2019.

Subsequent Elections

Stanton was re-elected in 2020 and 2022. Following redistricting after the 2020 census, his constituency was redesignated as Arizona's 4th congressional district. He was re-elected again in 2024, continuing to represent the district.

Legislative Activity and Policy Positions

In Congress, Stanton has served as a member of the New Democrat Coalition, a caucus of centrist and moderate Democratic members of the House. He has focused on a range of policy areas including affordability, infrastructure, small business support, education, and national security.

In February 2026, Stanton and other members of the New Democrat Coalition unveiled what they termed an "Affordability Agenda," described as a forward-looking response to the cost of living crisis affecting American families. The agenda addressed issues including housing costs, childcare, healthcare, and everyday expenses.

Also in February 2026, following a Supreme Court decision striking down most of the Trump administration's tariffs, Stanton joined colleagues in introducing the RELIEF Act, legislation designed to provide automatic tariff refunds to small businesses that had been affected by the tariff policies.

On foreign policy, Stanton has advocated for a diplomacy-centered approach to international challenges. In February 2026, he publicly stated that "diplomacy is the best way" to address concerns over Iran's nuclear program, positioning himself in favor of diplomatic engagement over military options.

Stanton has also been active on issues related to the federal government's operations. During a partial federal government shutdown in February 2026, he spoke publicly about the prospects for resolving the impasse over Department of Homeland Security funding, criticizing the inability of lawmakers to reach agreement.

On education policy, Stanton has taken positions regarding the relationship between the federal government and universities. In October 2025, he urged Arizona State University President Michael Crow to reject any offer by the Trump White House to sign an education compact, expressing concerns about the terms and implications of such agreements for academic institutions.

Regarding immigration and border security, Stanton issued a statement in response to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's press conference in Arizona concerning the SAVE Act, contributing to the ongoing debate over voter verification and immigration enforcement measures.

Stanton's office has also engaged in constituent services related to travel safety, including providing information and resources for Americans traveling in Mexico who may need assistance from the State Department.

His campaign finance and electoral data are maintained through the Federal Election Commission.

Personal Life

Stanton resides in the Phoenix metropolitan area. He has two children. He was raised on Long Island, New York, before relocating to the Midwest for college and later settling in Arizona. Stanton has described his background as rooted in working-class values, and he has cited his upbringing as an influence on his approach to public service and governance.

As a practicing attorney before entering full-time politics, Stanton maintained connections to both the legal and political communities in Arizona. His transition from law to city council, to the mayor's office, and then to Congress represented a progression through multiple levels of government that gave him experience in both municipal and federal policymaking.

Recognition

During his tenure as mayor of Phoenix, Stanton received attention from national governance publications. Governing magazine featured him in its coverage of notable municipal leaders, recognizing his role in guiding Phoenix through a period of economic recovery and growth. His profile as a mayor of one of the largest cities in the United States provided him with a platform that extended beyond Arizona, and his transition to Congress was seen as a continuation of his public service career at the federal level.

In Congress, Stanton's role within the New Democrat Coalition has placed him among a group of centrist Democrats who seek to influence party policy on economic and fiscal matters. His legislative initiatives, including the RELIEF Act and the Affordability Agenda, have generated coverage in both Arizona and national media outlets.