Michael Steele: Education, Career, and Political Journey

Michael Stephen Steele, born on October 19, 1958, at Andrews Air Force Base in Prince George's County, Maryland, is a prominent figure in American politics. He is known as a Black attorney, political commentator, teacher, and Republican Party politician. Steele's journey encompasses diverse roles, from a period of study for the priesthood to holding significant positions within the Republican Party and media.

Early Life and Education

Steele's early life was marked by adoption and the challenges of being raised by a single mother. Adopted as an infant by William and Maebell Steele, he faced the loss of his father in 1962. His mother, born into a sharecropping family in South Carolina, worked as a laundress to support her children. She later married John Turner, a truck driver. Michael and his sister, Monica Turner, were raised in the Petworth neighborhood of Northwest Washington.

Steele attended Archbishop Carroll High School in Washington, D.C., where he actively participated in the glee club, the National Honor Society, and various drama productions. His leadership potential was evident as he was elected student council president during his senior year.

In 1981, Steele earned a B.A. in international studies from Johns Hopkins University. After graduation, he taught world history and economics at Malvern Preparatory School in Pennsylvania, demonstrating an early interest in education and shaping young minds.

Following his time at Malvern Preparatory School, Steele spent three years at the Augustinian Friars Seminary at Villanova University, preparing for the Catholic priesthood. However, he ultimately decided to pursue a different path and entered civil service. Steele subsequently attended Georgetown Law School, graduating with a J.D. degree in 1991.

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Early Career

From 1991 to 1997, Steele worked in Washington, D.C., as a corporate securities associate for the Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton international law firm. Specializing in financial investments for Wall Street underwriters, he gained valuable experience in the legal and financial sectors. He left the firm to create the Steele Group, a business and legal consulting firm. Steele also worked as a partner at an international law firm.

Political Beginnings

Steele's involvement in Republican politics began with his role as chairman of the Prince George's County Republican Central Committee. He later co-founded the Republican Leadership Council, described as a "fiscally conservative and socially inclusive" political action committee.

Before seeking public office, Steele made numerous appearances as a political pundit on Fox News and other media outlets, showcasing his communication skills and political insights.

Lieutenant Governor of Maryland

In 2002, Robert Ehrlich, the Republican candidate for Maryland governor, selected Steele as his running mate. They faced Democrat Kathleen Kennedy Townsend and Charles R. The Republican Ehrlich-Steele ticket won the November 2002 general election with 51 percent of the vote, compared to 48 percent for their opponents. This victory was particularly significant as Maryland traditionally leans Democratic and had not elected a Republican governor in nearly 40 years. Steele's election as Lieutenant Governor marked a historic moment, as he became the first African American elected to statewide office in Maryland.

During his tenure as Lieutenant Governor, Steele focused on reforming the state's Minority Business Enterprise program and chairing the Governor's Commission on Quality Education in Maryland, demonstrating his commitment to economic development and education reform. At the 2004 Republican National Convention, Steele delivered the Republican counterpoint to Barack Obama's keynote address, gaining national exposure.

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U.S. Senate Campaign

In 2006, Steele ran for the U.S. Senate in Maryland after Paul Sarbanes, the state's longest-serving United States Senator, announced his retirement. Despite facing a challenging political landscape in a heavily Democratic state, Steele secured the Republican nomination after a primary election with little opposition.

In the general election, Steele faced Democrat Ben Cardin and Independent Kevin Zeese. The three candidates participated in debates, addressing key issues and outlining their visions for Maryland's future. Ultimately, Steele lost the election to Cardin, receiving 44% of the vote compared to Cardin's 54%.

Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairmanship

Following his defeat in the Senate election, Steele set his sights on the chairmanship of the Republican National Committee (RNC). In February 2007, he became chairman of GOPAC, an organization focused on training and supporting Republican candidates in state and local elections.

On January 30, 2009, Steele was elected chairman of the RNC, making history as the first African American to hold the position. As chairman, Steele was tasked with revitalizing the Republican Party and broadening its appeal to diverse demographics.

During his tenure, the RNC achieved significant fundraising success, raising over $198 million during the 2010 congressional cycle. In the November 2010 elections, Republicans gained 63 House seats, marking the largest pickup since 1938 and regaining control of the House.

Steele's chairmanship was not without controversy. He faced criticism for remarks he made about Rush Limbaugh, a prominent conservative radio host, and for his comments on the war in Afghanistan. Despite these challenges, Steele remained focused on his goals of strengthening the Republican Party and advancing its agenda.

In December 2010, Steele announced his intention to seek a second term as RNC chairman. However, he withdrew from the race after the fourth ballot at the 2011 Republican National Committee (RNC) chairmanship election on January 14, 2011.

Post-RNC Career

Since leaving the RNC, Steele has remained active in the political arena as a commentator, analyst, and writer. He has served as a regular columnist for The Root, an online magazine, and as a political analyst for MSNBC. Steele has also appeared on various television programs, including Meet the Press, Face the Nation, HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher, and Comedy Central's The Daily Show.

In 2018, Steele became a Senior Fellow at Brown University's Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs, further engaging in academic and policy discussions.

Steele has also contributed to various publications, including The Wall Street Journal, The Hill.com, The Grio.com, Politico.com, BET.com, Townhall.com, The Journal of International Security Affairs, and Catholic University Law Review.

Political Positions

Steele has expressed his views on a range of political issues. In 2008, he stated his opposition to abortion and his belief that states should decide on the issue of same-sex marriage. Regarding gun control, Steele has emphasized the importance of enforcing existing laws.

In July 2010, Steele made controversial comments about the war in Afghanistan, stating that it was "a war of Obama's choosing." These remarks drew criticism from fellow Republicans and commentators.

Steele is a supporter of the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. He is the author of "Right Now: A 12-Step Program for Defeating the Obama Agenda," published in 2010.

Recognition

Michael Steele has received numerous honors and awards in recognition of his political career and contributions to public service.

Current Engagements

Steele continues to be a prominent voice in American politics, offering his insights and analysis on current events. He is a political analyst for MSNBC and has recently co-hosted MSNBC's The Weekend. Additionally, Steele is a member of St. Vote Foundation and holds the Chair for The Gwendolyn S. & Colbert L. King Endowed Chair in Public Policy Lecture Series at Howard University.

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