About ME

Eric Phillips is a lifelong Caldwell resident, Vallivue High School graduate (Class of 2000), and former FFA member with deep agricultural roots. At 42, he brings over 20 years of public service, spanning the U.S. Navy, law enforcement, and school safety leadership. Now, he’s running for mayor to ensure Caldwell grows responsibly while preserving the quality of life that makes it such a special place to live and raise a family.

Eric enlisted in the Navy after high school, serving four years on active duty before joining the Reserves. He has deployed on a Western Pacific cruise, as well as to the Middle East twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, with service at Balad Airbase in Iraq, and a Mediterranean cruise in support of anti-terrorism operations off the coast of Libya. He completed a total of seven years of active duty, with the remaining 13 years in the reserves. Eric earned multiple awards and medals while serving his country.

In 2008, while still in the Reserves, he became a Caldwell Police Officer, proudly serving the city of Caldwell and the department for 15 years. He earned two lifesaving medals during his police career, including one for reviving a woman using CPR. He also survived a head-on collision with a drunk driver that led to an officer-involved shooting. This experience tested his resilience and deepened his commitment to protecting others.

In 2023, Eric transitioned into a new role as Director of Student Safety and Emergency Operations for the Caldwell School District. There, he led the implementation of modern emergency protocols and training programs. He also explored creating a dedicated school police department for the district—an initiative featured in local news, highlighting his forward-thinking approach to school and community safety.

In 2021, Eric launched the Caldwell, Idaho Community and Crime Facebook group, which now has more than 26,000 members. The page began as a space for sharing community businesses as we emerged from the COVID shutdowns, and they were struggling. The page evolved to feature digestible city council clips and celebrate local wins, and has since become a civic platform. Eric used it to spotlight local government decisions, rally citizens, and lead successful efforts to stop paid downtown parking meters. He’s also been a vocal advocate against the proposed Marriott hotel project on the “dirt lot,” standing up for transparency and community values.

Eric is a husband and is also a father to a miracle son born in 2023 after years of struggling; his son is his greatest joy and proudest achievement. He also serves as the president of his neighborhood HOA and enjoys exploring Idaho’s backcountry through camping, off-roading, and traveling. No matter where life has taken him, Caldwell has always been home.

Eric Phillips brings proven leadership, integrity, and a genuine love for Caldwell. He’s not a politician, he’s a protector, a listener, and a neighbor who believes in accountability and results. As mayor, he’ll fight for safe neighborhoods, responsible growth, and a city government that works for the people.

As a Mayor, I serve all citizens of Caldwell, regardless of their political affiliation, but I am a registered Republican who strongly believes in being a constitutional Republican. A government of the people and by the people.

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