Daniel J. O'Donnell (born November 17, 1960) is an American politician and attorney who served as a member of the New York State Assembly for the 69th district from 2003 to 2024. A Democrat, he was the first openly gay man elected to the New York State Assembly.
Early Life and Education
O'Donnell was born in Flushing, Queens, and raised in Commack, New York. His father immigrated from Ireland, and his mother was Irish American. He is one of five siblings and is the brother of entertainer Rosie O'Donnell. He attended The Catholic University of America before transferring to George Washington University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Public Affairs. He received a Juris Doctor from the CUNY School of Law at Queens College.
Career
Legal Practice
After graduating law school in 1984, O'Donnell worked for seven years as a public defender in the criminal defense division of Brooklyn's Legal Aid Society. He later opened his own public interest law firm on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, where his practice included tenant representation and civil rights litigation.
New York State Assembly
O'Donnell was first elected to the New York State Assembly in 2002, representing the 69th district, which includes Manhattan Valley, Morningside Heights, and portions of the Upper West Side and West Harlem. He served from January 3, 2003, through December 31, 2024, and opted not to seek reelection.
Key Legislation
O'Donnell was the legislative sponsor of the Marriage Equality Act, which legalized same-sex marriage in New York, signed into law on June 24, 2011. He also sponsored the Dignity for All Students Act, an anti-bullying law that included protections based on gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation. Additional legislative achievements included: leading the repeal of 50-a (a law that had prevented public disclosure of police disciplinary records), banning the "gay and trans panic" defense, requiring single-occupancy bathrooms to be gender-neutral, lowering New York City speed limits to 25 mph, expanding sexual harassment protections to unpaid interns, and passing the Domestic Violence Escalation Prevention Act.
Political Campaigns
In 2008, O'Donnell was considered by Governor David Paterson to fill the U.S. Senate vacancy created by Hillary Clinton's appointment as Secretary of State; the seat was ultimately filled by Kirsten Gillibrand. In 2019, O'Donnell ran for New York City Public Advocate but was defeated in the Democratic primary by Jumaane Williams.
Personal Life
O'Donnell is gay and married his partner of 31 years, John Banta, on January 29, 2012, in a ceremony officiated by former Chief Judge Judith Kaye. The couple met at Catholic University.
References
- Wikipedia: "Daniel J. O'Donnell"
- New York State Assembly records
- Library of Congress Name Authority File
