Ford O'Connell

Ford O’Connell is a lawyer and communications specialist with extensive experience in the political arena. As a seasoned campaign operative, he has played key roles in local, state, and national political campaigns, earning a reputation as a trusted voice in the field of politics. A former Republican congressional candidate and respected political analyst, Ford leverages his expertise to deliver sharp insights and strategic guidance.
A familiar face on major networks such as Fox News, Fox Business, Newsmax TV, and NewsNation, Ford’s analysis has also been featured in leading publications like The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, The New York Post, and The Financial Times. In 2013, he authored Hail Mary: The 10-Step Playbook for Republican Recovery, further establishing his thought leadership in the political sphere.
Ford’s innovative contributions to political strategy earned him Campaigns & Elections magazine’s "Rising Star" award in 2010 for his leadership with ProjectVirginia. This initiative also received the magazine’s inaugural Reed Award for “Best Use of Twitter” during the 2009 election cycle, recognized for its impactful work across multiple campaigns.
As a licensed attorney with multi-jurisdictional credentials, he has represented the Republican National Committee (RNC) and other organizations as a trusted media surrogate, skillfully shaping public narratives and driving impactful messaging.
A prominent voice at the intersection of politics, policy, and communications, Ford continues to influence the dialogue in these critical fields.
- J.D., University of Virginia School of Law
- M.P.P., Duke University
- M.S.J., Northwestern University
- M.A., University of Mississippi
- B.A., Swarthmore College