Shannon O'Brien (Montana politician)
Shannon O'Brien | |
|---|---|
| Chair of the Montana Democratic Party | |
| Assumed office September 14, 2025 | |
| Preceded by | Robyn Driscoll |
| Member of the Montana Senate from the 46th district | |
| In office January 4, 2021 – January 6, 2025 | |
| Preceded by | Sue Malek |
| Succeeded by | Jacinda Morigeau |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1968 or 1969 (age 56–57) Portland, Oregon, U.S. |
| Party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Chuck |
| Children | 1 |
| Education | University of Washington (BA) Gonzaga University (MEd) University of Montana (EdD) |
Shannon O'Brien (born 1968/1969)[1] is an American educator and politician who has served as the chair of the Montana Democratic Party since 2025. A member of the Democratic Party, she was a member of the Montana Senate from the 46th district from 2021 to 2025, and ran unsuccessfully for Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction in 2024.
Early life and education
[edit]O'Brien was born in Portland, Oregon. Raised on Orcas Island, Washington, she graduated from Orcas Island High School.[2] She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of Washington in 1991, a Master of Education from Gonzaga University, and an EdD from the University of Montana.[3]
Career
[edit]From 1994 to 1998, O'Brien was a history teacher at Stanwood High School in Stanwood, Washington. She was later an administrator at the Early College for Native Youth. From 2013 to 2015, she was an education policy advisor for Governor Steve Bullock. She was the dean of the Missoula College–University of Montana from 2015 to 2017[4] before accepting a "voluntary buyout" to step down as dean due to "budget concerns."[5] O'Brien was elected to the Montana Senate in November 2020 and assumed office on January 4, 2021.[6] She did not run for re-election in 2024, opting instead to run unsuccessfully for Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction.[7]
In September 2025, O'Brien was elected chair of the Montana Democratic Party.[8]
References
[edit]- ^ "Q&A: Shannon O'Brien, Democratic Candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction". Montana Public Radio. 13 May 2024. Retrieved 2 September 2025.
- ^ "O'Brien named college dean". Islands' Sounder. 2015-05-14. Retrieved 2021-08-27.
- ^ "Shannon O'Brien (Montana)". Ballotpedia. Retrieved 2021-08-27.
- ^ "Shannon O'Brien's Biography". Vote Smart. Retrieved 2021-08-27.
- ^ https://www.montanakaimin.com/features/whats-the-tea-everything-you-need-to-know-about-whats-brewing-at-um/article_b0446824-aaee-11e8-b4d5-f7473937bf46.html
- ^ "Voices: Shannon O'Brien for Senate District 46 - Missoula Current". missoulacurrent.com. Retrieved 2021-08-27.
- ^ Lloyd, Zeke (September 15, 2025). "In selecting a new leader, the Montana Democratic Party seeks someone to right the ship". Montana Free Press. Retrieved September 15, 2025.
- ^ Miller, Blair (September 14, 2025). "'Time for a new era': Shannon O'Brien elected as chair of Montana Democratic Party". Billings Gazette. Retrieved September 15, 2025.
- 1960s births
- 21st-century members of the Montana Legislature
- Democratic Party Montana state senators
- Gonzaga University alumni
- Living people
- Politicians from Portland, Oregon
- State political party chairs of Montana
- University of Montana alumni
- University of Montana faculty
- University of Washington alumni
- Women state legislators in Montana