Philip Tanis

Philip Tanis graduated from Holland High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from Hope College in 1987 and a graduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1993. His career experience includes working as a director.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Phil Tanis served as Holland’s youngest mayor from 1987 to 1989. During his tenure, Holland’s downtown was renovated, and the snowmelt system was installed. He also served as Holland second ward city councilman from 1983 to 1987, leading the renovations of the historic Centennial Park.

From 1995 to 1996, Tanis worked for the International Republican Institute in Sofia, Bulgaria, promoting democracy and training center-right political parties in campaign strategies and tactics. He was a volunteer consultant for the United Democratic Forces’ successful parliamentary campaign in 1997.

From 1996 to 2014 he worked for the Reformed Church in America in communications and operations. From 2014 to 2024 he was executive for communications and operations for the World Communion of Reformed Churches, based in Hannover, Germany.

Tanis is currently the director of Hope College’s Van Raalte Institute, which honors the memory of Holland’s founder through historical research and publications.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Put West Michigan first—not lobbyists or party bosses in Washington. Congress has shirked its basic duties. Too many representatives have chosen silence over service, allegiance to a party over accountability to the people. Tanis believes a representative’s job is to listen, to lead with integrity, and to uphold the Constitution above all else. Listening to constituents instead of raising money from special interests has to be the priority. Town hall meetings should be held regularly, and direct connections to local elected officials are critical.Fight for fiscal discipline and a strong, stable economy. Congress must reassert its control over the federal budget, lowering taxes for the middle and working classes while ensuring the ultra-rich pay their fair share. The deficit and debt have exploded in the last year. This is not sustainable and will only lead to the collapse of our economy. And punitive tariffs—just another form of taxation—need to go; they only punish the consumer.Uphold the Constitution and the rule of law—no exceptions. The ideals of our nation are made real in the Constitution as our foundational law. No one is above the law, and everyone should be held accountable to it. The Imperial Presidency has long been out of control, and Congress has done nothing to check these abuses. It’s past time for them to fulfill their oaths to the Constitution.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Tanis is personally passionate about empowering local governments to provide for the needs of their communities. The federal government should be limited in its scope, fulfilling its duties to protect the nation and ensure that all people are treated equally and equitably. Federal solutions don't always fit specific communities; therefore, legislation that empowers rather than imposes, that supports rather than demands should be the priority.

Fiscal responsibility by the federal government is also key. Growing the debt not only inhibits the ability of the government to provide necessary services, but it unduly burdens future generations and puts the entire economy at risk. Deficit spending must stop.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

President Dwight Eisenhower, who exercised fiscal discipline, was active in ensuring equality, focused on strategic goals for the entire country, and cautioned against a runaway military-industrial complex.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

To serve for the great good of the country by listening to constituents, being honest and open, and respecting members of other political parties.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

To uphold the Constitution.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

It should be the house of the people, reflecting the many and varied perspectives from across the nation.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Yes, compromise is a necessary part of the legislative process.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

I am not seeking any endorsements.