Stephanie Murphy

Stephanie Murphy, born on September 16, 1978, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is a prominent Vietnamese-born American politician and businesswoman. Her family fled Vietnam in 1979, and she grew up in Northern Virginia, where her passion for education and public service began to take shape. Murphy pursued higher education at the College of William & Mary and Georgetown University, laying a strong foundation for her future endeavors.

Before entering the political arena, Murphy made significant contributions as a national security specialist at the United States Department of Defense. She also held executive positions at Sungate Capital and served as a business professor at Rollins College. Her diverse professional background equipped her with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of public service.

In 2016, Murphy made history by defeating twelve-term incumbent Republican John Mica to represent Florida's 7th congressional district. During her tenure from 2017 to 2023, she became the first Vietnamese-American woman and the first Vietnamese-American Democrat elected to Congress, marking a significant milestone in American political history. Her district encompassed key areas such as downtown and northern Orlando, Winter Park, Maitland, Sanford, and Altamonte Springs.

After choosing not to seek re-election for a fourth term, Murphy retired from Congress in 2022. However, her commitment to public service remains unwavering. On July 9, 2025, she announced her candidacy for mayor of Orange County in 2026, signaling her continued dedication to her community and the issues that matter most to her constituents.