Phillip Chen holds a B.A. in Communications and a Master of Public Administration from California State University, Fullerton, as well as a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Southern California. He has held various roles in education, including serving as an adjunct faculty member at multiple universities and as a school board member for the Walnut Valley Unified School District. Chen has also worked as a health policy advisor and was appointed to the Governor’s Office of Criminal Justice Planning. His professional background includes managing a property management company and serving as a Los Angeles County Reserve Sheriff’s Deputy. Chen has demonstrated leadership in securing funds for infrastructure projects and has introduced several bills aimed at improving public safety, mental health, and education.

Phillip Chen's political philosophy is marked by a distinctive blend of educational and public safety policy initiatives, often merging seemingly disparate areas to address broader systemic issues. His legislative efforts, such as AB 1908, demonstrate a calculated approach to homelessness by targeting infrastructure accountability. Chen's background in educational psychology and public administration informs his nuanced policy stances, revealing an underlying commitment to systemic reform. His ability to secure funding for infrastructure projects like the Titan Gateway Pedestrian Bridge while simultaneously addressing public safety and homelessness highlights a strategic, multifaceted approach to governance.