| Jack T. O'Connell | |
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| Incumbent | |
| Assumed office January 5, 2003 |
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| Preceded by | Delaine Eastin |
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| Born | October 8, 1951 Glen Cove, New York |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) | Doree O'Connell |
| Profession | Politician, educator |
| Website | www.oconnell2006.org |
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Jack T. O'Connell (born 8 October, 1951) is the current California State Superintendent of Public Instruction, having elected to the post in November 2002 with 61% of the vote. He was re-elected to his post in the Primary election on June 6, 2006, with 52% of the vote.
Early Political Career
O'Connell previously served in the California State Senate as a Democrat representing the 18th District from 1994 to 2002. O'Connell considered a bid for President Pro Tem of the State Senate in 1998 but ultimately decided not to run. He also served in the California State Assembly representing the Central Coast-based 35th District from 1982 to 1994. Before his election to the Legislature, O'Connell served on the Santa Barbara County School Board.
Personal
O'Connell was born in Glen Cove, New York. In 1958, he moved with his family to Southern California, where he attended local public schools. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from California State University, Fullerton and earned his secondary teaching credential from California State University, Long Beach in 1975. He returned to his high school alma mater to teach for several years and later served on the Santa Barbara County School Board. [1]
2006 Reelection
In his 2006 re-election campaign, he won every county in California with at least an electoral plurality. Although the State Superintendent of Public Instruction is officially a non-partisan position, O'Connell is a member of the Democratic Party, and political parties will routinely make endorsements of candidates in the election (which was the case with O'Connell).
| Preceded by Delaine Eastin |
California State Superintendent of Public Instruction January 5, 2003 – present |
Incumbent |
| Preceded by Gary K. Hart |
California State Senator, 18th District December 5, 1994 – November 30, 2002 |
Succeeded by Roy Ashburn |
| California State Assemblyman, 35th District December 6, 1982 – November 30, 1994 |
Succeeded by Brooks Firestone |
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