Dan Connolly, a South Park Democrat, officially announced his candidacy for United States Congress in the 18th District.

Connolly, a 26 year old lawyer, is the youngest candidate to ever run in the 18th Congressional District. "I believe that a fresh approach and a new energy are desperately needed to reinvigorate Washington," Connolly said.

At 26, Connolly's experience is impressive. He has worked for the United States Senate as a clerk with the Judiciary Committee and as an interim constituent services coordinator. Recently, he has worked as a consultant for Hall & Associates, a Washington, DC firm that counsels clients in legislative affairs, crisis management, and transportation safety and security.

Connolly had one other experience that has indelibly shaped his life - he lost his father on USAir Flight 427, which crashed in Hopewell on September 8th, 1994. "Amid complete catastrophe, my family support group united and successfully pushed for legislation in Congress that revolutionized the way the victims' families are treated by airlines. Seeing legislation change peoples' lives in such a powerful and positive way was an extraordinary inspiration," said Connolly.

Connolly now aspires to bring change to the people of the 18th Congressional district and Washington. "I know Washington can be a place that empowers people, because I've not only seen it like so many other Americans, but I lived it," Connolly said. "Unfortunately, Washington is now defined by petty bickering and partisan fighting instead of the type of meaningful reform I saw as a young man. I want to bring the excitement of the American dream back to the 18th District."

A lifelong resident of Southwestern Pennsylvania, Connolly grew up in Upper St Clair. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in Political Science and History and earned his law degree from George Washington Law School where he focused on labor law and employment discrimination law.