John E. O'ConnorYour Candidate for St. Mary's County Commissioner, District 3
John E. O’Connor is a highly decorated U.S. Army veteran, community leader, and public servant with over 25 years of experience in federal, county, and municipal government, and served on the St Mary’s Board of Commissioners from 2014-2022. A Purple Heart recipient and recipient of the Army Commendation Medal with Valor Device for heroic actions in combat while under direct enemy fire during service in Iraq, O’Connor has dedicated his life to service first in uniform defending the nation and supporting peacekeeping operations abroad, and now in public life working to strengthen the communities he calls home. He also served in Kosovo as part of a U.S. peacekeeping mission supporting stability operations in the region.
Throughout his career, O’Connor has earned a reputation for principled leadership, fiscal responsibility, and a deep understanding of how government can and should serve the people. His experience covers more than two decades in federal, county, and municipal governance, including work in public policy, municipal administration, capital planning, grant development, and strategic program management. He has collaborated closely with local leaders, county officials, and state and federal partners to advance initiatives that improve infrastructure, strengthen communities, and responsibly manage public resources.
O’Connor is well known for his skill in navigating complex government systems and achieving meaningful results for local communities. His work helping municipalities find and secure state and federal funding has supported projects such as infrastructure improvements, environmental sustainability efforts, youth programs, and community development initiatives. His governance approach highlights accountability, transparency, and the belief that taxpayer dollars must always be managed with discipline and respect. Besides his professional work in government administration and policy.
O’Connor has held elected office, where he gained a reputation for thoughtful leadership, balanced decision-making, and honest, straightforward no-nonsense communication with the public. His government experience has given him a practical understanding of the tough choices leaders face and the importance of long-term planning, responsible budgeting, and teamwork among government partners.
O’Connor’s academic background includes higher education in leadership and public service, including a bachelor's degree from Johns Hopkins University. His academic training complements decades of real-world experience working within the complexities of modern government and public administration.
Beyond government service, O’Connor is deeply dedicated to mentorship and youth development in his community. He coaches youth lacrosse in St. Mary’s County, volunteers with youth hockey programs, and serves as an ice hockey official. Through athletics, he helps young athletes build discipline, teamwork, and leadership values that he considers vital for strengthening communities and preparing the next generation for success.
O’Connor also owns several small business's and is a licensed private pilot, experiences that provide him with additional perspective on the challenges faced by working families, entrepreneurs, and small businesses, as well as a perspective of one of our bigger economic drivers located at the St Mary's County Airport (2W6).
He lives in Mechanicsville, Maryland, with his wife Elizabeth and their son, John Edward II. In his free time, O’Connor enjoys scuba diving and outdoor activities with family and friends.
Whether through public service, community leadership, or mentoring young people, he remains dedicated to strengthening the institutions that support vibrant communities and ensuring that government functions with integrity, responsibility, and a consistent focus on the people it serves.
John E. O'ConnorA Proven Representative for the people of St. Mary's County
Dedicated Public Service
With more than 25 years of experience across federal, county, and municipal government, John E. O’Connor brings a seasoned, real-world understanding of how to make government work for the people it serves. His career has been built on solving problems, managing complex systems, and ensuring that decisions are grounded in practicality rather than politics. John is committed to keeping government focused on its core responsibilities—protecting taxpayers, supporting public safety and infrastructure, and maintaining the quality of life that defines St. Mary’s County—while delivering leadership that is steady, accountable, and results-driven.
Experienced County Commissioner
Having served as a County Commissioner from 2014 to 2022, John has a proven track record of engaging directly with the community, making informed decisions, and advocating for responsible budgeting and strong taxpayer protection. His experience reflects a commitment to fiscal discipline, transparent governance, and ensuring that every dollar is spent with purpose and accountability, always keeping the interests of the residents first.
Veteran Leadership
John is committed to supporting the seniors of St. Mary’s County by ensuring they have access to the services, resources, and community support they need to live safely, independently, and with dignity. This includes strengthening programs related to transportation, healthcare access, and senior services while recognizing the growing needs of an aging population. He also believes in respecting and working collaboratively with the leadership of Leonardtown, the county’s only municipal government, recognizing its important role in local governance, economic activity, and community identity. By fostering strong partnerships and open communication, John will help ensure that county and municipal efforts are aligned to better serve residents across all communities.
Community Engagement
John believes in the power of strong community connections and active engagement, dedicating his time to mentoring youth through sports and investing in the next generation of leaders. He regularly connects with residents, listens to their concerns, and works to ensure their voices are heard in government. His approach is grounded in accessibility, accountability, and a genuine commitment to being present in the community, not just during an election, but every day.
Commitment to Education and Skilled Trades
A strong advocate for education, John supports programs that expand skilled trades, career and technical training, and workforce development opportunities while maintaining high academic standards for future generations. He believes every student should have access to a pathway that leads to success, whether through college, the trades, public safety, or military service, and is committed to ensuring the school system is supported in a responsible, sustainable way that prepares students for real-world opportunities.
Focus on Infrastructure and Public Safety
With a comprehensive understanding of local needs, John is committed to strengthening critical infrastructure and ensuring that public safety services are fully equipped, properly staffed, and operationally prepared to respond to the demands of our growing county. His focus is on making strategic, responsible investments that improve roads, support emergency response capabilities, and enhance coordination across law enforcement, fire, and EMS so that residents can rely on timely, effective services when they need them most.