State Representative Amos O’Neal was born and raised in Saginaw. He attended Saginaw Public Schools and graduated with a business degree from Northwood University. O’Neal raised his three daughters in Saginaw with his late wife, Sherry, who was a public school teacher. When O’Neal isn’t working for the people of Michigan, he enjoys duck hunting, fishing and spending time with his grandkids.
Rep. Amos O’Neal is serving his third term representing the 94th House District. The district encompasses Bridgeport Township, Buena Vista Charter Township, Carrollton Township, Saginaw City, Saginaw Township and Spaulding Township. O’Neal relentlessly works for criminal justice reform and supporting Michigan’s workforce — from our unions to our trade workers.
O’Neal was named Tri-County Building Trades Labor Person of the Year in 2022 and Michigan Pipe Trades Legislator of the Year. He was also awarded the 2022 fellowship for the 27th annual Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership Development. In 2023, O’Neal was awarded the Michigan After School Partnership Legislative Champion Award and named the 2023 Ducks Unlimited Legislator of the Year. His other awards include the Milliken Award from Safe and Just Michigan for his work to advance criminal justice reform during his time in the Legislature; 2024 Sickle Cell Champion of the Year; Legislator of the Year from the Michigan County Social Services Association in 2024; the 2024 Friend of Public Health Award from the Michigan Association of Local Public Health; the 2024 County Advocate Award from the Michigan Association of Counties; and named Legislator of the Year from Michigan Community Action, the Michigan Municipal League and Michigan Manufacturers Association.
O’Neal has been vice chair of the House Appropriations Committee and Michigan Legislative Black Caucus, and he was also named chair of the Michigan House Appropriations Subcommittee on Corrections, continuing his work to advocate for adequate funding for improved prison systems, well-trained corrections officers and beneficial prisoner support resources.
Before entering his first term in 2020, O’Neal served on Saginaw City Council for thirteen years, including as Mayor pro tem. He also served on the Saginaw County Board of Commissioners for four years. During his time in local government, O’Neal went above and beyond to serve on various boards and committees throughout Saginaw County, including as chair of the Saginaw County Commission’s Committee on Health and Human Services and as a member of the Michigan Works! Operations Board and the HIV/AIDS Task Force. He was recognized for his work with the Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award from the Boy Scouts and the President’s Award from the Saginaw Chamber of Commerce. During that time, he graduated from the Leadership Development Institute at Saginaw Valley State University and graduated from the Saginaw Chamber of Commerce Leadership Saginaw Program.