(VNF) - Democrat Ngoc Dung Stephanie Murphy has become the first Vietnamese American woman to get a seat in the US lower house, defeating her experienced Republican rival John Mica in Florida’s seventh district during the November 8^th election.

Mrs. Murphy had defeated John Mica, a 23-year Republican incumbent, despite only starting her campaign this past June.

Mrs. Murphy addresses the Democratic National Convention.

Mrs. Murphy, 38, whose Vietnamese name is Dang Thi Ngoc Dung, is an educator, businesswoman, and former national security specialist who lives in Winter Park, Florida. She worked for the Defence Department for four years as a security expert following the September 11^th incident.

Previously, Stephanie served as a national security specialist in the Office of the U.S. Secretary of Defense where she received numerous awards for her distinguished service, including the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Civilian Service.

The mother of two children, she has received endorsements from President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, and the Human Rights Campaign.

She was among those who were invited to deliver a speech at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, last July./.

( Compiled by VNF )