Stephanie Summers-O’Neal Formally Announces Candidacy for U.S. Congress [MS-2]

Magnolia Report ^ | December 19, 2003 | Summers-O'Neal campaign

[JohnnyZ]

Jackson, MS -- Stephanie Summers-O’Neal, a Jackson native and local business owner, announced her historic candidacy for Mississippi’s second congressional district during press conferences in Jackson and Greenville today. Summers-O’Neal will be the first African-American, female, Republican elected to the U.S. Congress when Mississippians send her to Congress next November.

“As a citizen of the Second District, I believe we deserve the best this country has to offer. We deserve better job opportunities so we can build better lives, quality education so our children can contribute to society, access to the best in health care, and strong communities in which to raise our families. The district deserves a change for the better,” stated Summers-O’Neal. “I am ready for and excited about the possibility of serving the people of the Second District,” added Summers-O’Neal.

Summers-O’Neal, an African-American and a Republican, will face two expected opponents during the Primary Election, March 9, 2004. Upon receiving the Republican nomination, Summers-O’Neal will face 10-year incumbent, Bennie G. Thompson (D), in the November 2, 2004 General Election.

During the press conferences, Stephanie Summers-O’Neal, a local business owner, spoke of her long family history of economic and community development contributions. She noted that she is the third generation of public servants.

Summers-O’Neal is the granddaughter of W.J. Summers, owner of Summers Hotel and Subway Lounge, and granddaughter of George W. Stutts, Sr., philanthropist, oil businessman and retired farmer.

“I am willing to put forth the hard work and dedication necessary to make a difference in the district. It is natural for me to have the desire to serve the Second Congressional District; my grandfather served this community with social and civic leadership. My father dedicated 25 years of his life to serving children, adolescents and adults in need. I have followed in those footsteps and dedicated my life to my Mississippi. I have the business experience to successfully implement my detailed plan that will lead to a better quality of life for citizens of the Second Congressional District,” said Summers-O’Neal.

Currently, Stephanie Summers-O’Neal is the Chief Executive Officer of Diversified Trade Company, LLC (DTC) a domestic and international business development company. DTC serves U.S. companies in over 15 countries. DTC is well known for its export management and export strategy development services in the Oil/Gas, Aerospace, Telecommunications, Specialty Chemicals and Agriculture industries.

A native Mississippian, Summers-O’Neal attended St. Joseph High School in Jackson, and received her B.A. in Biology from Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia. She resides in Jackson with her husband, Willie O’Neal, Jr. and is a parishioner at St. Richards Catholic Church in Jackson, Mississippi.

[JohnnyZ]

I've noticed that a lot of Black Republicans are Catholic.

[Impy]

I guess cause they don't go to the various black baptist churches where rat politicos are invited to electioneer. I'd like to see what they'd say if Bush gave a political speech in a church.

[Clintonfatigued]

This is an interesting developement. And it's worth noting that Congressman Benny Thompson's margin dropped substantially in 2002. This seat might not be out of reach.