About John

John A. Kowalko, Jr.

Delaware resident for 35 years. John was born in Portsmouth, Virginia, and raised in Philadelphia by his parents—John Sr., a 24-year career Marine who fought in three wars, and Adele, homemaker and superb cook specializing in Polish delicacies.

John graduated from St. Joseph’s Prep in 1963, and apprenticed as a Machinist at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. At the Shipyard, John was a member of LL687 IAM, and held the offices of Treasurer and Recording Secretary. He also served as Chief Steward of the Metal Trades Council (a coalition of various trade unions at the Shipyard). He was employed at Delaware City Refinery from 1978 to November 2004 as member of LL648, where he held positions of Machinist Steward and General Foreman Machinist.

John moved to Delaware in 1983 with his wife, Connie. He has two children and two beautiful grandchildren.

John is a member of St. John—Holy Angels Parish in Newark.

Read John’s posts and learn where John stands on the issues.

Legislative Committees:

  • Energy
  • Health & Human Development
  • Labor
  • Manufactured Housing
  • Natural Resources

John Kowalko picture

Community Involvement:

  • St. John–Holy Angels Parish
  • International Association of Machinists
  • Newark Senior Center
  • Stonewall Democrats
  • Common Cause of Delaware
  • Pacem in Terris
  • Delaware State AFL-CIO
  • FMC BioPolymer Community Advisory Panel
  • Progressive Democrats for Delaware

Community Involvement (past):

  • Community Advisory Editorial Board for The News Journal, 2 years
  • Kirkwood Soccer Youth coach, 5 years
  • CYM Track coach for Holy Angels, 3 years
  • SURJ (Stand Up for What’s Right and Just)
  • Citizens for Legislative Accountability
  • Delaware Academy of Science
  • A. Philip Randolph Institute
  • Brookside Lions Club
  • Parent-Teacher Association
  • International Reading Association Board of Advisors
  • New Castle County Community Services Board
  • Citizen’s Solid Waste Solutions Commission
  • Iron Hill Museum Capital Fund Task Force
  • Delmarva Power Consumer Council

Proud recipient of the following Community Awards:

  • Delaware Audubon Society 2019 Conservation Award
  • Open Government Distinguished Service Award from DelCOG, Delaware Press Association & League of Women Voters
  • Christina District School Board Citizenship Award
  • Legislator Political Courage Award, Progressive Democrats for Delaware
  • THUMBS UP AWARD for Outstanding Advocacy on Environmental and Energy Issues
  • Delaware Today’s People of Influence, for the Environment
  • DSEA 2013 Friend of Education Award
  • DSEA 2010 Friend of Education Award

National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL) Committees:

  • Communications, Financial Services & Interstate Commerce
  • Health & Human Services
  • Labor & Economic Development
  • Natural Resources & Infrastructure