Meet Rep. O’Neal

About

State Representative Amos O’Neal is a lifelong Saginaw resident, public servant and dedicated advocate for working families. Raised in Saginaw and a graduate of Saginaw Public Schools, he went on to earn a business degree from Northwood University. He and his late wife, Sherry, a public school teacher, raised their three daughters in the community they have long called home.

Now serving his third term in the Michigan House of Representatives, O’Neal represents the 94th House District, including Bridgeport Township, Buena Vista Charter Township, Carrollton Township, the City of Saginaw, Saginaw Township and Spaulding Township. He remains focused on strengthening Michigan’s workforce, supporting unions and skilled trades, and advancing meaningful criminal justice reform.

When he is not serving the people of Michigan, Rep. O’Neal enjoys duck hunting, fishing and spending time with his grandchildren.

Legislative Service

Rep. O’Neal plays a leading role in shaping Michigan’s state budget and public policy through his service on the House Appropriations Committee. He serves as Minority Vice Chair of both the Corrections and Judiciary Appropriations Subcommittee and the Agriculture, Rural Development and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee, and is a member of the Public Health Appropriations Subcommittee.

Beyond his committee work, O’Neal serves as Chair of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus and as Region IX Chair of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators. He is also a member of the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses.

Public Service and Community Leadership

Rep. O’Neal’s commitment to Saginaw spans decades of local leadership. Before joining the Legislature, he served thirteen years on the Saginaw City Council, including as Mayor Pro Tempore, and four years on the Saginaw County Board of Commissioners.

During his time in local government, he chaired the Saginaw County Commission’s Committee on Health and Human Services and served on numerous boards and initiatives, including the Michigan Works! Operations Board and the HIV/AIDS Task Force. His work consistently focused on improving public health, expanding economic opportunity and strengthening local services.

O’Neal’s leadership has always been rooted in community engagement and workforce development. He has supported initiatives that connect residents to jobs, strengthen public health systems and improve quality of life across Saginaw County.

His civic involvement includes participation in the Leadership Development Institute at Saginaw Valley State University and the Saginaw Chamber of Commerce Leadership Saginaw Program, reflecting a longstanding commitment to collaborative, community-driven leadership.

Recognition and Awards

• Tri-County Building Trades Labor Person of the Year — Tri-County Building Trades (2022)
• Legislator of the Year — Michigan Pipe Trades (2022)
• Fellow — Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership Development (2022)
• Legislative Champion Award — Michigan After School Partnership (2023)
• Legislator of the Year — Ducks Unlimited (2023)
• Milliken Award — Safe & Just Michigan (2024)
• Sickle Cell Champion of the Year (2024)
• Legislator of the Year — Michigan County Social Services Association (2024)
• Friend of Public Health Award — Michigan Association of Local Public Health (2024)
• County Advocate Award — Michigan Association of Counties (2024)
• Legislator of the Year — Michigan Community Action (2024)
• Legislator of the Year — Michigan Municipal League (2024)
• Legislator of the Year — Michigan Manufacturers Association (2024)
• Vanguard Leadership Award — National Assembly of African American Thought Leaders (2025)
• Highly Effective Democratic Lawmaker, 102nd Legislature — Center for Effective Lawmaking (2026)