About Stephanie
Orange County is at an inflection point.
We have every advantage to be a world-class destination. Now we must become a world-class community for the people who live, work, and raise their families here.
Stephanie Murphy knows what opportunity can mean because she has lived it.
Her story began on a small boat fleeing communist Vietnam, with her father at the helm. After the boat ran out of fuel, Stephanie’s family and the other refugees aboard were rescued by the U.S. Navy. With help from a local faith community, her family began again in America with little more than hope and a willingness to work.
Her parents worked multiple jobs, including cleaning office buildings at night, so their children could have opportunities they never did. Watching their sacrifices taught Stephanie that freedom creates opportunity, but opportunity is never guaranteed. It must be earned, protected, and expanded for the next generation.
With the help of scholarships, Pell Grants, and student loans, Stephanie became the first woman in her family to graduate from college. She built a successful career in business before answering the call to public service after September 11, joining the Department of Defense as a national security specialist. Later, she taught finance and entrepreneurship at Rollins College, helping prepare the next generation of business leaders.
After the Pulse tragedy, Stephanie ran for Congress to help move our community forward. She earned a reputation as one of the nation’s most effective bipartisan lawmakers by focusing on results instead of rhetoric. She helped secure funding to reduce congestion, improve transportation, strengthen Orlando International Airport, support small businesses, invest in mental health, and keep people employed during the pandemic.
Today, Orange County faces a new set of challenges. Housing costs are rising. Traffic is worsening. Growth is putting pressure on our infrastructure and public services. Families want the opportunity not just to visit a great community, but to build their lives in one.
As Mayor, Stephanie will bring proven executive leadership and a record of solving complex problems. She will focus on making housing more attainable, improving transportation, delivering responsive county government, protecting taxpayers, attracting higher-paying jobs, and ensuring Orange County remains one of the best places in America to live, work, and raise a family.
Stephanie lives in Winter Park with her husband, a small business owner, and their two children. Like so many Orange County families, they’re invested in this community’s future. Stephanie is running because she believes our best days are still ahead, and she’s ready to help lead Orange County into its next chapter.