Patrick J. O'Connor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Patrick J. O'Connor
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| Chicago Alderman from the 40th Ward |
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| In office May 1983 – May 2019 |
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| Preceded by | Ivan Rittenberg |
| Succeeded by | Andre Vasquez |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 21, 1954 Chicago, Illinois |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Barbara O'Connor
(m. 1979) |
| Residence | Chicago, Illinois |
| Alma mater | Loyola University (B.A.) Loyola University (J.D.) |
| Profession | Alderman |
Patrick J. O'Connor (born June 21, 1955) is a former politician from Chicago. He used to be an alderman, which is like a city council member, for Chicago's 40th Ward. This ward is located on the North Side of the city. He was first chosen for this job in 1983 when he was 28 years old. He was re-elected eight times before he lost to Andre Vasquez in 2019.
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Patrick J. O'Connor's Early Life
Patrick J. O'Connor grew up in Chicago. His father worked for the city's Department of Streets and Sanitation. This department helps keep the city clean and running smoothly.
Education and Law Career
O'Connor went to Loyola University Chicago School of Law and finished in 1979. After law school, he worked as a lawyer. He even successfully sued the city to help his father get back pay after he was fired by the mayor at the time, Jane Byrne.
Serving Chicago's City Council (1983–2019)
Patrick J. O'Connor was first elected as an alderman for the 40th Ward in 1983. An alderman is a member of the City Council. They represent a specific area, called a ward, and help make decisions for the city.
A Long Career in City Government
O'Connor was very popular in his ward. He was re-elected eight more times! This means he served for many years, from 1983 all the way until 2019. In 2019, he ran for a tenth term but was not re-elected. Andre Vasquez won the election instead.
"Council Wars" in Chicago
During the time that Harold Washington was Mayor of Chicago, there were some big disagreements in the City Council. Mayor Washington was the first African American mayor of Chicago. O'Connor, who is white, was part of a group of mostly white aldermen who often disagreed with the mayor. This period was sometimes called the "Council Wars" because of the strong disagreements. Even as a new alderman, O'Connor was chosen to lead the City Council's Committee on Education.
Other Political Campaigns
Patrick J. O'Connor also tried to get elected to other important jobs.
Running for State's Attorney
In 1990, he ran to become the Cook County State's Attorney. This job is like the chief prosecutor for the county. He lost in the primary election to Cecil Partee. A primary election is when people from the same political party vote to choose who will represent them in the main election.
He tried again for State's Attorney in 1992. This time, he ran against the Republican person who already had the job, Jack O'Malley. O'Connor lost this election too.
Campaign for U.S. Congress
In 2009, O'Connor also ran for a seat in the United States House of Representatives. This is a part of the U.S. Congress in Washington, D.C. He was one of many people trying to get the Democratic Party's nomination for the 5th congressional district of Illinois. He finished fifth in that race.
