Michael Steele

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Steele_at_USGS

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Michael Steele is an American politician, attorney, and political commentator. He is a member of the Republican Party and served as the first African American chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC) from January 2009 to January 2011. Steele was also the seventh Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, serving from 2003 to 2007.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Michael Stephen Steele was born on October 19, 1958, at Andrews Air Force Base in Prince George's County, Maryland. He was raised in Washington, D.C. by his mother, Maebell Steele, who worked as a laundress, and his stepfather, John Turner, a truck driver. Steele attended Archbishop Carroll High School and later earned a bachelor's degree in international relations from Johns Hopkins University. He then obtained his Juris Doctor from the Georgetown University Law Center.

Early Career[edit | edit source]

After completing his education, Steele worked as a corporate securities attorney at the international law firm Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton. He later founded the Steele Group, a business and legal consulting firm.

Political Career[edit | edit source]

Lieutenant Governor of Maryland[edit | edit source]

In 2002, Steele was elected as the Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, becoming the first African American elected to statewide office in Maryland. During his tenure, he focused on issues such as minority business development, education, and criminal justice reform.

2006 U.S. Senate Campaign[edit | edit source]

In 2006, Steele ran for the United States Senate seat vacated by retiring Senator Paul Sarbanes. Despite a strong campaign, he was defeated by Democrat Ben Cardin.

Chairman of the Republican National Committee[edit | edit source]

In January 2009, Steele was elected chairman of the Republican National Committee, making history as the first African American to hold the position. His tenure was marked by efforts to modernize the party and expand its outreach to minority communities. However, his term was also marred by controversies and internal conflicts, leading to his replacement by Reince Priebus in January 2011.

Post-RNC Career[edit | edit source]

After his tenure at the RNC, Steele became a political analyst for MSNBC and a regular contributor to various media outlets. He has also been involved in several political organizations and think tanks, continuing to advocate for conservative principles and policies.

Personal Life[edit | edit source]

Steele is married to Andrea Derritt Steele, and they have two children. He is a devout Roman Catholic and has been active in various charitable and community organizations.