Michael Steele built a high-profile career as the first African American lieutenant governor of Maryland and chairman of the Republican National Committee, yet he keeps his immediate family life relatively private. Public interest often focuses on how he balances decades in the political spotlight with a steady domestic life alongside his wife and two sons.
Understanding his personal background requires looking past the broadcast desks and campaign trails. His family framework, rooted in Maryland and shaped by long-standing community ties, anchors his public persona.
Early Life and Roots
Born at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland and raised in Washington, D.C., Steele was adopted as an infant by William and Maebell Steele. His upbringing heavily influenced his worldview and work ethic. After his adoptive father passed away in 1962, his mother raised him and his siblings through challenging economic circumstances, instilling a deep sense of discipline and faith.
Before pursuing law and politics, Steele spent time studying for the priesthood within the Order of St. Augustine. He ultimately shifted paths, earning his undergraduate degree from Johns Hopkins University and his Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center. These formative years set the stage for his entry into corporate law and eventually Republican party politics in Prince George's County.
Marriage to Andrea Derritt
Steele married Andrea Derritt in 1985. Andrea Derritt Steele completed her Master of Business Administration and built a professional path distinct from her husband's political career, maintaining a low profile outside of official functions.
Throughout his time as lieutenant governor, head of the RNC, and political analyst for MSNBC, Andrea has remained a constant presence behind the scenes. The couple has navigated decades of intense public scrutiny, media campaigns, and shifting political alliances while preserving the privacy of their marriage. They are longtime parishioners at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Landover Hills, Maryland, where community and faith anchor their routine.
Raising Two Sons: Michael II and Drew
Michael and Andrea share two adult sons, Michael II and Drew. Unlike public figures who bring their children into the media circuit, Steele largely shielded his sons from the press corps while they were growing up.
- Michael II: The eldest son, who pursued his own professional path away from elected office.
- Drew: The younger son, who shares his family's tight-knit ties in the Maryland and Washington D.C. area.
Raising children while managing a statewide office and national political campaigns demanded strict boundaries. Steele frequently credits his family with keeping him grounded amid the high-stress environment of national television and partisan leadership.
Balancing Public Office and Private Values
Steele's career includes several historic milestones, such as becoming the first African American elected to statewide office in Maryland in 2003 and leading the Republican National Committee from 2009 to 2011. Juggling these responsibilities required deliberate choices about family time.
In interviews and speaking engagements, he often points out that political titles are temporary, but family commitments endure. Even as his career evolved into media commentary, university fellowships—such as his role at Brown University's Watson Institute—and podcast hosting, he maintains a clear division between his professional analysis and his household.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Michael Steele's wife?
Michael Steele is married to Andrea Derritt, whom he wed in 1985. She holds an M.B.A. and works outside of the political sphere, keeping a low public profile.
How many children do Michael and Andrea Steele have?
They have two adult sons, Michael II and Drew.
Where does Michael Steele live?
The family resides in Maryland, where they have deep community and religious ties, attending St. Mary's Catholic Church in Landover Hills.
What is Michael Steele's educational background?
Steele earned his bachelor's degree from Johns Hopkins University and his law degree from the Georgetown University Law Center.
