Stephanie Murphy

Stephanie Murphy (born Đặng Thị Ngọc Dung; September 16, 1978) is an American business consultant, professor, and politician from the state of Florida. A member of the Democratic Party, she is a member of the United States House of Representatives for Florida's 7th congressional district, having defeated incumbent John Mica in 2016.

Stephanie Murphy was born "Đặng Thị Ngọc Dung" on September 16, 1978, in Ho Chi Minh City. Her family left a Vietnamese refugee camp by boat when she was six months old, in 1979. Their boat ran out of fuel and they were rescued by the United States Navy while at sea. They settled in Northern Virginia, where she grew up. Her parents worked both day and night jobs to support their family.

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.

After the September 11 attacks, Murphy went to work for the United States Department of Defense as a national security specialist. 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.

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. She was endorsed by President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and former congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. Murphy defeated John Mica, receiving 51% of the vote. Murphy is the first Vietnamese-American woman elected to the United States Congress.

Murphy and her husband, Sean, have two children.