John J. O'Connell (April 30, 1919 – March 24, 1998)^[1] was an American lawyer and politician from Washington who served as the 13th Attorney General of Washington from 1957 to 1969.

Quick Facts 13th Attorney General of Washington, Governor ...

John O'Connell
13th Attorney General of Washington
In office January 16, 1957 – January 15, 1969
Governor	Albert D. Rosellini Daniel J. Evans
Preceded by	Don Eastvold
Succeeded by	Slade Gorton
Personal details
Born	April 30, 1919 Tacoma, Washington, U.S.
Died	March 24, 1998 (aged 78) Tacoma, Washington, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Margaret
Children	6
Education	Gonzaga University (LLB)
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Army
Battles/wars	World War II

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O'Connell was born and raised in Tacoma, Washington. He earned a Bachelor of Laws from the Gonzaga University School of Law and served as a Captain in the United States Army during World War II.

After serving in the Army, O'Connell returned to Tacoma and established a private legal practice. He served as the city prosecutor of Tacoma and county prosecutor of Pierce County, Washington. O'Connell was elected Attorney General of Washington in 1956, and served until 1969. O'Connell was succeeded in office by Slade Gorton. O'Connell was also the Democratic nominee in the 1968 Washington gubernatorial election, losing to Republican Daniel J. Evans.^[2] Soon after leaving office, O'Connell resumed his private legal practice.^[3]

O'Connell and his wife, Margaret, had six children. He died in Tacoma on March 24, 1998, at the age of 78.^[4]