Patrick M. O'Connor (born August 13, 1984) is an American politician from Weymouth, Massachusetts, who was elected to the Massachusetts Senate on May 10, 2016, in a special election to replace Robert Hedlund.[1] He represents the Plymouth and Norfolk District, which comprises Cohasset, Duxbury, Hingham, Hull, Marshfield, Norwell, Scituate, and Weymouth.[2]
Early life and education
Patrick was born and raised in Weymouth and graduated from the Weymouth Public Schools system. His father, Michael, is a plumber. His mother, Terry, helps care for premature babies as a nurse.[3]
When he was 13 years old, he co-founded L40 Networks, an internet advertising and content promotion company.[4] This venture afforded him the opportunity to attend school in London at Kingston University where he studied politics and economics.[5]
Political career
O'Connor was elected to the Weymouth Town Council in 2005 and became president in 2014.[6] From 2008-15, he served as legislative director to State Senator Bob Hedlund and ran for State Senate following Hedlund's election as mayor of Weymouth.
In a special election on May 10, 2016, O'Connor won 53% of the vote to 47% by Democratic candidate former selectman Joan Meschino of Hull.[7] O'Connor was elected to his first full term on November 8, 2016, and is seeking another two year term.