Last updated
    Greg Stanton

    Greg Stanton

    Iceland flagIceland
    Politician

    lawyerpolitician

    Birthday

    March 8, 1970

    Birth Sign

    Pisces

    Birthplace

    Long Island, New York

    Age

    56 years old

    About

    Gregory John Stanton is an American lawyer and Democratic politician who currently serves as the U.S. Representative for Arizona's 4th congressional district. He has held this seat since January 3, 2019, establishing himself as a pragmatic voice in Congress with a focus on water rights and infrastructure. Before his federal tenure, Stanton spent nearly two decades in local government, serving as a Phoenix City Council member and later as the Mayor of Phoenix from 2012 to 2018.

    His political career reflects a steady climb through municipal leadership roles before reaching the national stage. As mayor, he oversaw significant urban development projects and public safety initiatives that shaped modern Phoenix. In Washington, he chairs the House New Democrat Coalition and sits on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. His approach emphasizes bipartisan cooperation and practical solutions to complex regional challenges like the Colorado River crisis.

    Early Life & Background

    Gregory John Stanton was born on March 8, 1970, in Long Island, New York, where he spent his early years before his family moved west. His path to public service began in earnest after he completed his undergraduate degree at Syracuse University and earned his law degree from the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law. Upon finishing his education, he relocated to Phoenix in 1996 to start his legal career.

    Before entering elected office, Stanton worked as a deputy county attorney in Maricopa County from 1996 to 2000. In this role, he handled serious cases ranging from domestic violence to murder, gaining a reputation for diligence and integrity within the legal community. He also practiced law in the private sector during this period, building a client base and professional network that would later support his political ambitions. These early years in the courtroom provided him with a grounded perspective on the justice system and the needs of everyday Arizonans, setting the stage for his eventual run for the Phoenix City Council in 2000.

    Career Growth

    Stanton's breakthrough into elected office came in 2000 when voters elected him to the Phoenix City Council. He served there until 2009, focusing on community development and fiscal responsibility. His success at the council level led to a mayoral campaign in 2011, where he defeated incumbent Phil Gordon. He took office as Mayor of Phoenix in 2012 and won re-election in 2015, serving two full terms until January 2018.

    During his time as mayor, Stanton prioritized economic growth and infrastructure improvements, leaving a lasting mark on the city's landscape. After leaving the mayor's office, he ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2018 and won the general election for Arizona's 4th congressional district. He has since been re-elected in 2020, 2022, and 2024, maintaining strong support within his district. In 2026, he successfully defended his seat against a progressive primary challenge from Kai Newkirk. Currently, he continues to serve in Congress, leading the House New Democrat Coalition and advocating for critical legislation regarding water management and transportation.

    Career Timeline

    1996Begins work as deputy county attorney in Maricopa County
    2000Elected to Phoenix City Council
    2009Leaves City Council to run for Mayor of Phoenix
    2012Takes office as Mayor of Phoenix
    2015Re-elected as Mayor of Phoenix
    2018Elected to U.S. House of Representatives
    2020Re-elected to Congress
    2022Re-elected to Congress
    2024Re-elected to Congress
    2026Defeats progressive primary challenger Kai Newkirk

    Public Image & Style

    Stanton projects a down-to-earth demeanor that resonates with voters in Arizona's competitive districts. He is widely recognized as a moderate Democrat who bridges divides within his party and seeks common ground across the aisle. His public persona centers on practical problem-solving rather than partisan rhetoric. On social media, he shares updates on legislative wins and family life, emphasizing community engagement and local values. This approach has helped him maintain high approval ratings among constituents who value stability and results.

    Fame & Fandom

    iFANN has not yet collected fame data for Greg Stanton. While he is a well-known figure in Arizona politics, he does not have a formal fandom name or celebrity-style fanbase typical of entertainers. His supporters primarily consist of voters, political observers, and members of advocacy groups who rally around specific policy issues like water rights and economic development. Fans engage with him through town halls, campaign events, and digital platforms where he shares updates on his legislative work.

    Interesting Facts and Legends

    Greg Stanton met his wife, Mary Ellen, while they were both volunteering for humanitarian work in Cambodia during the early 1990s. Their shared commitment to global aid laid the foundation for their marriage in 1995. He is known for his deep involvement in the Colorado River crisis, often speaking out about the urgent need for sustainable water management strategies in the Southwest. Stanton also holds a TEDx talk from 2017 where he discussed genocide prevention, highlighting his interest in human rights issues beyond domestic policy.

    Notable Quotes

    Solving the Colorado River crisis for the long term requires bold action and cooperation across state lines.

    Family & Personal Life

    Greg Stanton is married to Mary Ellen Stanton, whom he met while working together on humanitarian projects in Cambodia. The couple wed in 1995 and have raised three children together: sons Owen and Patrick, and daughter Maeve. They reside in Phoenix, Arizona, where they remain active in the local community. There are no publicly documented prior relationships or divorces in Stanton's history, and Mary Ellen remains his spouse as of 2026.

    Notable Connections

    Kai Newkirk, Phil Gordon, Mary Ellen Stanton.

    Relationships & Dating History

    As of 2026:Marriedto Mary Ellen Stanton

    Greg Stanton has maintained a single, long-term relationship throughout his adult life. He met Mary Ellen Stanton while they were both involved in humanitarian work in Cambodia during the early 1990s. The couple fell in love through their shared dedication to helping others and married in 1995. Since then, they have remained together, raising three children and living in Phoenix. There are no reported divorces, separations, or other romantic partnerships in his public record. As of 2026, Mary Ellen remains his spouse, and the couple continues to be a stable presence in his personal and political life.

    • MarriedMary Ellen Stanton1995 - presentCurrentMet while volunteering in Cambodia; married in 1995; three children together.

    Salary, Net Worth In 2026

    $3 Million

    iFANN Editorial Team estimate

    As of 2026, iFANN Editorial Team estimates Greg Stanton's net worth at approximately $3 million. This figure reflects his earnings as a U.S. Representative, his previous salary as Mayor of Phoenix, and income from his earlier legal practice. A significant portion of his wealth comes from real estate investments, including properties in Phoenix and other areas, though exact valuations are not publicly disclosed. His congressional salary provides a steady income stream, and his financial portfolio likely includes retirement accounts and investment funds typical for federal officials. Unlike many celebrities, his wealth is built through public service and strategic asset management rather than entertainment ventures or endorsements.

    Awards & Accolades

    No awards registered yet. View awards page

    Known For

    U.S. House of Representatives

    2019 · Representative

    Mayor of Phoenix

    2012 · Mayor

    Phoenix City Council

    2000 · Council Member

    Keywords

    Greg StantonArizona politicianUS RepresentativeFormer Mayor of PhoenixDemocratic PartyWater RightsColorado River

    Sources

    Quick Facts

    Profession
    lawyer, politician
    Born
    March 8, 1970
    Birthplace
    Long Island, New York
    Gender
    Male
    Birth Sign
    Pisces

    Personal Details

    Full Name
    Gregory John Stanton
    Spouse
    Mary Ellen Stanton
    Children
    Owen, Patrick, Maeve
    Education
    Syracuse University; University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is Greg Stanton's political affiliation?
    Greg Stanton is a member of the Democratic Party. He has consistently identified as a moderate Democrat throughout his career, focusing on pragmatic solutions and bipartisan cooperation in both the Phoenix City Council and the U.S. House of Representatives.
    How many terms has Greg Stanton served in Congress?
    As of 2026, Greg Stanton has served four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was first elected in 2018 and has won re-election in 2020, 2022, and 2024, representing Arizona's 4th congressional district.
    Who is Greg Stanton's wife?
    His wife is Mary Ellen Stanton. They met while volunteering for humanitarian work in Cambodia in the early 1990s and married in 1995. They have three children together and continue to live in Phoenix.
    What are Greg Stanton's main policy focuses?
    Stanton's key policy areas include water rights, particularly regarding the Colorado River crisis, economic development, and transportation infrastructure. He actively advocates for sustainable water management strategies and works to improve transit systems in Arizona.
    Did Greg Stanton face a primary challenge in 2026?
    Yes, he faced a progressive primary challenge from Kai Newkirk in 2026. Stanton successfully fended off the challenge and secured the Democratic nomination, continuing his representation of Arizona's 4th district.

    Join the community

    fans discussing