From his beginnings, growing up in Camillus, his hard work and perseverance to acquire a high level education, and his experience as a prosecutor, John’s story is filled with examples of strong character, intelligence and dedication to the well being of our community. His life speaks for his character.
- Download Full Bio - -Prior to serving Central New York in Congress, John Katko spent nearly twenty years as a federal prosecutor. He worked to keep our community safe as a prosecutor, and is working to keep our country safe in Congress.
John was born and raised here. He knows what Central New Yorkers need to get things moving in the right direction. Learn more about John and his Central New York roots.
John Katko is born in Syracuse to Mary Lou O’Connor and Andrew Katko. He is raised in the Fairmount section of Camillus, NY along with his five sisters and one brother.
John graduates from Bishop Ludden High School and attends Niagara University where he meets Robin Gibson of Wayland, NY. The two fall in love.
After graduating from Niagara, John and Robin return to Syracuse where Robin works as a pediatric nurse at Crouse Hospital while John attends SU College of Law.
John Katko is born in Syracuse to Mary Lou O’Connor and Andrew Katko. He is raised in the Fairmount section of Camillus, NY along with his five sisters and one brother.
John graduates from Bishop Ludden High School and attends Niagara University where he meets Robin Gibson of Wayland, NY. The two fall in love.
After graduating from Niagara, John and Robin return to Syracuse where Robin works as a pediatric nurse at Crouse Hospital while John attends SU College of Law.
John and Robin are married.
John is hired by a prestigious Washington law firm. Robin continues her nursing career in Washington.
John joins the Securities and Exchange Commission, investigating and prosecuting corporate fraud and insider trading.
Son Sean is born.
On loan from the SEC, John begins his career as a federal DOJ prosecutor. As a DOJ senior attorney, John travels to El Paso, Texas and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
John returns home to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Syracuse. Robin goes back to pediatric nursing, and the Katkos buy a home in Camillus.
John and Robin welcome sons Liam and Logan to the family. The Katkos are complete.
John prosecutes NY political corruption cases.
John becomes President of the Board of Directors of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Central New York.
As a longtime volunteer Camillus Youth Hockey coach, John and a friend team up to lead fundraising efforts to overhaul the Shove Park rink.
John becomes chief of the DOJ’s narcotics section for the Northern NY District.
After twenty years as a federal prosecutor, John retired to run for Congress and is overwhelmingly elected to serve the people of the 24th Congressional District of New York
John and Robin reside in Camillus, New York with their three sons; Sean is an Air Force ROTC student at SUNY Geneseo. The Katkos are parishioners of St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, and John has been involved in such community organizations as the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the Onondaga County Foster Parent program, and Camillus Youth Hockey Association, where he coached youth hockey for fifteen years. A lifelong sportsman, John remains an active hunter and fisherman today.
”You and I do a better job spending the money we earn than the government does.” - John Katko
”The best way to increase federal tax revenues is to increase the number of working Americans who actually pay taxes. New job creation and your job security will always be my top priority.” - John Katko
”Social Security and Medicare are a sacred promise that must be honored, but at the same time we must begin to address retirement and healthcare security for future generations of American workers.” - John Katko
”What gets taught, how, and when in our public schools are decisions best made by classroom teachers and education professionals on the local and state level, not by federal bureaucrats.” - John Katko
“And Washington exists to work for us, not the other way around.” - John Katko
“Central New York job creation and your job security – not mine – will be my number one priority in Washington.” - John Katko
“I’ve spent my entire professional life protecting Central New York families and bringing justice to those who break the law. Help me take that real world experience to Congress.” - John Katko
“As a first time candidate for elective office, I have the independence and bipartisan experience to change Washington.” - John Katko
“Robin and I love living and raising our boys in Central New York, and the day-to-day experiences we share here at home will make me a better representative for you in Washington.” - John Katko
“We need a fairer, simpler, less onerous tax code in America. One that doesn’t punish success, encourage offshore investment, or break the backs of middle class Central New Yorkers.” - John Katko
John’s wife Robin is an RN with experience in pediatrics and women’s health.
John worked his way through law school selling insurance and painting houses.
John’s career as a federal prosecutor has taken him into courtrooms around the country and classrooms around the world.
John has received high honors from multiple Attorneys General and the Director of the FBI.
John and Robin first met at Niagara University on Robin’s second day of college… and have been together ever since.
A lifelong sportsman, John remains an active hunter and fisherman today.
An avid hockey player in high school and college, John has coached all three sons.
