John O'Connor is WNYC's Washington correspondent. He has previous covered education for Florida radio stations and politics for newspapers in South Carolina and Maryland.
John O'Connor appears in the following:
Shutdown Was Test for Jeffries
Thursday, January 31, 2019
The longest government shutdown in U.S. history was an early test for Brooklyn Rep. Hakeem Jeffries in his new role as chair of the House Democratic caucus. Colleagues say he passed.
Most New York And New Jersey House Members Get First-Choice Committee Slots
Thursday, January 17, 2019
A New York City Congressman will be a top budget lieutenant, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will take on Wall Street.
With Democrats in Control of House, New York and New Jersey Freshmen Get to Work
Friday, January 04, 2019
They've set up offices and taken their first votes. Now, the newcomers are ready for their committees.
The New Congress, Film Critics Circle, Digital Teens
Thursday, January 03, 2019
John O'Connor & Christina Greer on Congress' new freshman class. Eric Kohn & Alison Willmore on the NYFCC's picks for award season. Jeffrey Lane on "The Digital Street."
Why Chuck Schumer Is No Longer the Most Powerful Democrat in D.C.
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Tuesday's dramatic Oval Office showdown over border wall spending and a government shutdown showed just how much power has shifted in Washington after the 2018 midterms.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Pitches a 'Green New Deal' to Tackle Climate Change
Tuesday, December 04, 2018
A term popularized by New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman is now being used by Representative-elect Ocasio-Cortez to promote green jobs and environmental justice.
Thursday Morning Politics: Trump's Infrastructure Plans
Thursday, November 29, 2018
A look at the infrastructure plans that President Trump is — and isn't — committed to.
Jeffries Wins Over House Democrats, But Pelosi Falls Short With New York and New Jersey Delegation
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
As Caucus Chairman, Jeffries will be a serious contender to take over Democratic leadership if Pelosi steps down.
Long Island Democrat Leading The Revolt Against Speaker Pelosi
Tuesday, November 27, 2018
Democrats vote Wednesday on their choice for House Speaker in January. Rep. Kathleen Rice has spent two terms in Congress trying to convince House Democrats to choose someone new.
New York And New Jersey Freshman Get First Taste Of D.C.—And House Power Struggle
Friday, November 16, 2018
Freshmen learn the ropes and make their first moves for committee seats.
Democrats Gain Ground in New York and New Jersey Congressional Seats
Wednesday, November 07, 2018
New Jersey Democratic House candidates Mikie Sherrill and Tom Malinowksi flipped their districts, Democrat Max Rose flipped Staten Island, and Sen. Bob Menendez won a third term.
Trump-Supporting PAC Gives Final Boost to GOP Rep. Lee Zeldin
Wednesday, October 31, 2018
The ads from the Great America PAC are just part of a last-minute advertising blitz by outside groups on both ends of the political spectrum right before Election Day.
This Week in Politics: Democrats Have a Cash Advantage, But it's Complicated
Saturday, October 27, 2018
With just 10 days to go before the midterms, Democratic candidates in New Jersey and New York are outraising their Republican counterparts. But the power of incumbency is strong.
New York, New Jersey Reps Ready to Rise If Democrats Take The House
Thursday, October 18, 2018
In a place where seniority matters, long-serving local members of Congress will reap the benefits of a Democratic takeover.
House Race In New York's Hudson Valley Turns Into A Debate About Race
Thursday, October 11, 2018
A racially-charged political ad in a close House race has ignited a debate about race and culture in upstate New York.
Democrats' Kavanaugh Closing Argument: 'Is He Telling The Truth?'
Wednesday, October 03, 2018
Once again, Schumer has to hold his caucus together while trying to win over two Republicans.
Chris Collins Reverses Course, Will Run for Election
Monday, September 17, 2018
The announcement caught local Republicans by surprise.
This Week in Politics: What the NY Primaries Tell Us About November
Saturday, September 15, 2018
What high primary turnout and left-leaning politics mean for the general election.
New Republican Ad Targets Candidate's Rap Lyrics In Hudson Valley Race for Congress
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
The ad brings race to the forefront in New York's 19th Congressional District.
How California Baby Carrots Turned Into a Cash Crop for New York Republicans
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
Upstate Republican candidates for Congress are taking advantage of a 2014 Supreme Court decision that 'supercharged' joint fundraising committees.
