Born and raised in Georgia, Sam Park grew up with two sisters and a single mother. Sam’s grandparents, having moved to the United States as refugees during the Korean War in the 1980s to pursue the American Dream, instilled hope and ambition throughout their family. Sam’s mother worked multiple jobs to provide for Sam and his two sisters. She ensured that Sam and his sisters attended church every Sunday, and instilled in them the values of hard work, faith, and family.

Following his high school graduation, Sam helped his mother open and manage a family-run small business while taking classes at Georgia Perimeter Community College. With the HOPE Scholarship, Sam attended Georgia State University, earning a bachelor's degree in Economics and Political Science. He then graduated from the Georgia State University College of Law.

In December 2014, tragedy struck. Sam’s mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer after he passed the bar exam. She was able to get the care she needed through Medicaid and Medicare. Taking her to chemotherapy appointments every two weeks taught Sam the life-and-death importance of access to healthcare.

Sam’s mother witnessed him make history in 2016 by defeating a six-year incumbent who voted to block Medicaid expansion, flipping a Georgia State House seat, and becoming the first Asian American Democrat and first openly gay man elected to the Georgia State Legislature. And now, Sam serves as the Minority Whip of the Georgia House Democratic Caucus.