Ford O’Connell

O’Connell earned his B.A. in political science and religion from Swarthmore College, his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law, his MPP from Duke University, and his M.S. in journalism from Northwestern University. His professional experience includes working as a businessman and as a Trump White House and campaign surrogate for the 2020 election.[1][2]

Ford O’Connell did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

FORD O'CONNELL is a businessman, lawyer, and conservative media advocate from Naples, Florida, who currently serves as a Trump White House and campaign surrogate for the 2020 election.

He is a respected media analyst and frequent guest on Fox News, Fox Business and other broadcast media. Ford's political analysis and commentary have appeared in a variety of publications including The Wall Street Journal, the New York Post, and ESPN.com.

A graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law, Mr. O'Connell graduated from Swarthmore College with a B.A. in Political Science and Religion. Ford also obtained a MPP from Duke University, and a M.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University.

Ford O'Connell, a former Heritage Foundation intern, has been actively supporting conservative candidates and campaigns since 2007, when he first worked with the Haley Barbour 2007 gubernatorial campaign. In 2008, he served as a key Republican strategist for the McCain-Palin Presidential ticket. In 2010, he was a recipient of Campaign & Elections magazine's "Rising Star" award.

Ford O'Connell's devotion to the conservative causes of limited government, free enterprise, and personal responsibility were instilled in him by his grandfather, Henry Salvatori, an advisor to three U.S. Presidents: Nixon, Reagan and Bush 41.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Fighting for President TrumpProtecting our quality of life in Southwest Florida; Southwest Florida First!Draining the swamp

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

To continue to build on President Trump's economic gains, fighting for our water quality, combatting illegal immigration, and countering China's aggression.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

My grandfather, Henry Salvatori. He was an Italian immigrant to this country who believed strongly in the American Dream, the tenants of citizenship and conservative values. He built a successful petroleum company and went on to become an advisor to three U.S. Presidents: Nixon, Reagan and Bush 41. He got involved in politics, because he loved this country and wanted to protect the ideals that made it great.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

A drive to serve my community.

My experience. My background in the media, appearing regularly on Fox News, Fox Business and other news outlets for years made me an adept communicator who is able to get my message through and across, which will make me a more successful advocate for the FL-19 constituents. The time I spent in Washington as a surrogate for President Trump gave me enough knowledge about the way things work to know how to effectively get things done. I won't need training wheels and will hit the ground running to start accomplishing things on day one.

The fact I'm not beholden to special interests. I'm not a career politician.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

To uphold the Constitution, to be a tireless advocate for the FL-19 constituents, and to represent them with honesty and integrity.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

God Bless the USA by Lee Greenwood

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

The U.S. national debt, combatting illegal immigration and countering China's aggression.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I am a strong proponent of federal term limits. Term limits are essential for our nation and should be implemented through any means necessary including calling for an Article V Convention. Career politicians do a disservice to America. Serving in government was never meant to be a profession; it was meant to be public service on behalf of the constituents.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Thomas Jefferson

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