Contact: anthonyphillips@phillipsforwisconsin.com
Fox Valley Longtime Cancer Physician Runs for State Assembly
[Appleton, WI] Dr. Anthony (Tony) Phillips, a Republican, today announced his candidacy for Wisconsin’s 56th State Assembly District.Current 56th Rep. Dave Murphy (R-Greenville) recently stated that he would not be seeking reelection after serving since being elected in 2012. Phillips has confirmed this plan with Rep. Murphy and commends the representative on his commitment to public service and the constituents of the 56th Assembly District.
“Dave Murphy epitomizes what it means to bring strong private sector skills to public service, especially in the area of economic development. I’m honored to call him a friend and I salute him on a job well done. I wish Dave and his family well,” said Dr. Phillips.
A former cancer physician and President of Fox Valley Hematology and Oncology (FVHO) in Appleton and Neenah, Dr. Phillips is making his second run for the state Legislature, having campaigned for the 18th senate district in 2024. Phillips won a decisive victory in the GOP primary but came up short in the general election in a heavily Democratic district.
“I’m proud of the race we ran in 2024, and I’m heartened by the overwhelming support from Republicans we received in our primary election victory. We’ll be using those same lessons learned to keep this important seat in the hands of Republicans and continue to advance our conservative values and principles.”
A proud Wisconsin Badger, Tony earned his undergraduate degree and his medical degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He first served as a cancer physician in Janesville before moving in 1999 to Fox Valley Hematology and Oncology (FVHO) in Appleton and Neenah. Tony rose to become President of FVHO and helped to negotiate the merger of FVHO with ThedaCare Oncology in 2018 and worked to ensure nearly all FVHO employees were able to assimilate into the ThedaCare system. He became the Medical Director leading more than 20 providers for ThedaCare Oncology and retired from clinical practice earlier in 2025.
Tony and his wife, Heidi, have raised five children who are now all adults. Two daughters followed in Anthony’s footsteps by graduating from UW-Madison, and the youngest daughter attends UW-Madison Medical School.
Tony attends St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish in Greenville. Community charitable efforts have been a priority for Tony, especially for patients and the families affected with cancer. He’s been a featured speaker for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Light the Night kickoff breakfast, the American Cancer Society Sole Burner Fun Run, and the ThedaCare Foundation celebration of National Cancer Survivor Day. Tony has sponsored numerous golf scrambles for the benefit again of patients with cancer, but also for several athletic teams and booster clubs in the Fox Valley and Janesville.
Dr. Phillips has a long resume of hosting and supporting fundraisers for conservative candidates and causes. He is currently on the Board of Directors for Fox Valley Initiative, arranging monthly public forums in fulfillment of the mission to educate and activate voters in the Fox Cities.
This article provides a great insight into Dr. Phillips background and his political ambitions. Its inspiring to see his dedication to both medicine and conservative values. His story truly resonates with me.