Born in Ridgewood, New Jersey on June 26, 1956, Connors graduated from Southern Regional High School.
[2] The son of Leonard T. Connors, he grew up in Surf City, New Jersey and gained his first exposure to politics as a child while helping his father run for city council.
He moved to Toms River in 1978 and to Lacey Township four years later, where he was first encouraged to run on his own for elected office.
[5] He sponsored a law enacted in January 2000 requiring installation of ignition interlock devices in cars of repeat drunk driving offenders and of a 1998 law requiring criminal background checks for nurse aides and home personal care licensing applicants.
[6] In January 2023, Connors announced that he would not be a candidate for reelection after 33 years of service in the New Jersey Legislature.