Stephanie Murphy
| Stephanie Murphy | |
|---|---|
| Member-elect of the U.S. House of Representatives from Florida's 7th district | |
|
Taking office January 3, 2017 | |
| Succeeding | John Mica |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
September 16, 1978 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Residence | Winter Park, Florida |
| Alma mater |
College of William & Mary (B.A.) Georgetown University (M.S.) |
| Occupation | Professor, business consultant, national security specialist |
Stephanie Murphy (born September 16, 1978) is a Vietnamese-American business consultant, professor, and politician from the state of Florida. A member of the Democratic Party, she is the member-elect to the United States House of Representatives for Florida's 7th congressional district, having defeated incumbent John Mica in 2016.
Early life
Murphy was born in Vietnam in 1978.[1] Her family left a Vietnamese refugee camp by boat when she was six months old, in 1979.[2] Their boat ran out of fuel and they were rescued by the United States Navy while at sea.[3][4] They settled in Northern Virginia, where she grew up.[5] Her parents worked both day and night jobs to support their family.[4]
With the help of Pell Grants and student loans, Murphy attended the College of William & Mary, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics. She then went to Georgetown University, graduating with a Master of Science degree in foreign service.[4][6]
Career
After the September 11 attacks, Murphy went to work for the United States Department of Defense as a national security specialist.[4][7] She worked as an executive on investment efforts and government affairs initiatives at Sungate Capital in Winter Park, Florida, and as a business professor at Rollins College.[6]
Murphy declared her candidacy for the United States House of Representatives for Florida's 7th congressional district in the 2016 elections. She ran against incumbent Republican John Mica in the general election on November 8, 2016.[5] She was endorsed by president Barack Obama, vice president Joe Biden and former congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.[4][8][9] Murphy defeated John Mica, receiving 51% of the vote.[10] Murphy is the first Vietnamese-American woman elected to the United States Congress.[4]
Personal life
Murphy and her husband, Sean, have two children.[11]
References
- ↑ "Candidate Conversation – Stephanie Murphy (D) – News & Analysis – The Rothenberg & Gonzales Political Report". Retrieved November 9, 2016.
- ↑ Dunkelberger, Lloyd (October 24, 2016). "John Mica faces major challenge in redrawn district from Stephanie Murphy". Orlando Weekly. Retrieved November 12, 2016.
- ↑ Bade, Rachel (November 1, 2016). "Top GOP congressman laughs his way to possible defeat". Politico. Retrieved November 9, 2016.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 Hassan, Mohamed (November 8, 2016). "5 Things to Know About Stephanie Murphy, First Vietnamese-American Woman Elected to Congress". NBC News. Retrieved November 9, 2016.
- 1 2 "Democrats find a challenger against Mica". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved November 9, 2016.
- 1 2 "Stephanie Murphy files to run against John Mica in CD 7 – Florida Politics". Florida Politics. June 23, 2016. Retrieved November 9, 2016.
- ↑ Hackman, Michelle (October 23, 2016). "In Diversifying Florida District, a Challenge for the GOP". Retrieved November 9, 2016 – via Wall Street Journal.
- ↑ Sentinel, Orlando. "Val Demings, Stephanie Murphy endorsed by Gabby Giffords". Retrieved November 9, 2016.
- ↑ "Barack Obama endorses Val Demings, Stephanie Murphy – Florida Politics". October 24, 2016. Retrieved November 9, 2016.
- ↑ Comas, Martin E. (November 8, 2016). "Political newcomer Murphy pulls stunner, unseats Mica; Demings defeats Lowe". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved November 9, 2016.
- ↑ "EMILY's List Endorses Stephanie Murphy in Florida's 7th Congressional District". July 25, 2016. Retrieved November 9, 2016.