Summer Hill is in the safe Labor federal electoral division of Grayndler. This seat is currently held by Labor shadow minister Anthony Albanese, who was last re-elected in the 2004 general election. The seat has been held continuously by Labor since it was proclaimed in 1949.

For NSW state elections, Summer Hill is predominantly in the Electoral district of Strathfield. Summer Hill was added to this state seat when the safe Labor electorate of Ashfield was abolished in 1999. From 1999 to 2003 it was held by Paul Whelan (the former State Police minister) of the Australian Labor Party. This seat is currently held by Virginia Judge, of the Australian Labor Party.

Local political issues include:

• Proposed construction of the M4 East, diverting traffic from Parramatta Road, and which construction option should be used.
• Opposition to plans that would result an increase in traffic at Kingsford Smith International Airport, and thus more aircraft noise.
• Concern over the proposed new supermarket building, and whether it is in keeping with the local shopping area.

1. ^ State Election 2003 - Polling Booth Results (results for "Rozelle" polling booth, Port Jackson), courtesy State Electoral Office of NSW.
2. ^ Federal Election 2004 - Polling Booth Results (for Summer Hill, Grayndler), courtesy Australian Electoral Commission.