Neal began his political career as co-chairman of Democratic presidential candidate George McGovern's 1972 election campaign in Western Massachusetts.Duncan, Phil, et al. (December 31, 1988). "House freshmen: Massachusetts—2nd district." CQ Weekly: p. 3610. CQ Press. In 1973 he became an assistant to Springfield Mayor William C. Sullivan. Neal was elected to the Springfield City Council in 1978 and was named President of the City Council in 1979. The following year he was named as a delegate for presidential candidate Ted Kennedy at the 1980 Democratic National Convention.Farrell, David (March 5, 1980). "Massachusetts delegates chosen in the primary." The Boston Globe. While a city councilor, Neal taught history at Cathedral High School, and gave lectures at Springfield College, American International College, Springfield Technical Community College, and Western New England College."Grads to hear Neal talk." The Union-News: p. 14. May 17, 1989.
