Career
O'Gara, a Democrat, served in the Maine State Senate from 1996-2002, representing his residence in Westbrook, Maine and nearby areas of Cumberland County. He was defeated for re-election in 2002 by Republican Carolyn Gilman. From 1974-1984, O'Gara served as Mayor of Westbrook.
O'Gara earned a B.A. from Springfield College (1958) and an A.A. from Portland Junior College (1955). He taught and coached at Waynflete School (Portland) and Mahoney Middle School (South Portland) from 1957 to 1980.