DAQUAN NEAL
for State Representative
District 39
OUR. TIME. IS. NOW.
Fighting for affordable Living., economic Justice. and REAL representation.
Meet Daquan Neal
A Leader Forged by Resilience and Purpose
Daquan Neal’s life story is living proof that adversity does not define us — how we rise does.
As a young adult, Daquan faced one of the darkest periods imaginable. He battled severe depression, dropped out of college, and was diagnosed with Stage II kidney failure. Instead of giving up, he chose to fight — for his health, his future, and his purpose.
That fight transformed him into the leader he is today.
Daquan returned to school with renewed determination and graduated from Central State University, Ohio’s historic HBCU, as an Honors College scholar with a 4.0 GPA. He earned dual degrees in Psychology and Political Science, with additional studies in Philosophy, becoming one of the university’s most distinguished alumni.
A Scholar Who Believes in Rising to Potential
During his time at Central State University, Daquan served as Mister College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, was an active member of the Honors College, and earned recognition for academic excellence and leadership.
His achievements include:
Trustee Scholar
Outstanding Scholar Award recipient
Member of the Golden Key International Honour Society
Member of Phi Alpha Honor Society
Daquan believes there is no such thing as “overachieving” — only rising to meet the full measure of one’s potential.
A Commitment to Public Service
Daquan’s passion for public service began at age 13, volunteering during Barack Obama’s presidential campaign. Inspired by the belief that collective action can change lives, he committed himself to building a more just and equitable society.
He has worked in both the Ohio Senate and the Ohio House of Representatives, earning honors for outstanding service and dedication to public advocacy.
A Calling to Public Service Daquan’s passion for public service began early. At just 13 years old, he volunteered door-to-door during Barack Obama’s historic presidential campaign. Inspired by the message of hope and collective action, he discovered his purpose: to help build a more just, compassionate, and equitable society. That calling has guided his life ever since. Daquan has worked in both the Ohio Senate and the Ohio House of Representatives, earning: An Official Honor from the Ohio House for Outstanding Service A Certificate of Recognition from Senator Michele Reynolds for unwavering dedication and exceptional performance These honors reflect not only his work ethic, but his deep commitment to public advocacy and service.
Giving Back to the Community
From teaching anti-bullying and multicultural education programs as a youth to instructing teens and young adults in workforce skill-building today, Daquan has always believed in uplifting the next generation.
Investing in the Next Generation
Daquan’s commitment to community empowerment began even earlier. At age 12, he participated in anti-bullying and multicultural education programs, teaching young students the values of kindness, inclusion, and empathy.
Today, he continues that work as an instructor in the Certified Basic Automotive Maintenance Program at T-8 Auto Sales, helping teens and young adults gain practical skills, confidence, and career readiness.