+ − Contact Information
Phone: (512) 463-0269
Fax: (512) 463-1096
Office Address:
P.O. Box 2910
Austin, TX 78768
+ − Biography
Philip Cortez grew up on the south side of San Antonio in the Palo Alto neighborhood, where his parents instilled in him love for education, a sense of duty to his country, and a determination to improve his community. Philip carried his love for education throughout his life.
He graduated from Central Catholic High School. He earned his associate's degree from Palo Alto Community College in 2000 and a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2002. He later earned a master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2007. He is currently studying for a PhD in Educational Administration at the University of Texas at Austin.
In 2007, Philip was elected to the San Antonio City Council, where he represented District 4. As Councilman, he focused on the development of District 4 neighborhoods and on improvement projects citywide. Philip fought to improve police and fire departments, clean up parks, and modernize libraries throughout his district. Mayor Julian Castro selected Philip to serve as chairman of the Audit, Infrastructure and Growth Committees, President of the San Antonio Housing Trust Public Facility Corporation, and as a member of the Governance Committee.
Philip was elected to serve his first term as State Representative for District 117 in the general election held November 6, 2012. He has been a lifelong resident of the district, and will continue fighting for the interests of the residents.
Since 1999, Philip has proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force. He served for seven years as an enlisted airman with the 433rd Airlift Wing at Lackland Air Force Base, eventually rising to Staff Sergeant. In 2006, Philip was commissioned a Second Lieutenant. He continues his duty to his country as a Captain in the Air Force Reserve.
Philip previously served as a Community Resource Advocate for the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center and as an adjunct professor at Texas A&M University at San Antonio. He is also a guest reader at Frank Madla and Kindred elementary schools, a member of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials, and a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Philip and his family are parishioners at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.
Philip was elected by his Senate and House colleagues to serve as the Chair of the Texas Veterans' Caucus and has been selected to serve as Deputy Whip for the House Democratic Caucus. He currently serves on the House Committee on Public Health and the House Committee on Homeland Security & Public Safety. Philip also serves as a board member on the USO- San Antonio board of advisors.