Maureen Frances O'Connor (born July 14, 1946) is an American politician who served as the 31st mayor of San Diego from 1986 to 1992.

In 2013, federal prosecutors charged her with money laundering, but deferred prosecution based on her agreement to pay back the funds involved.

[5] In 1961, one of her brothers was stabbed by an employee at the Campus Drive-in movie theater in Rolando who was eventually convicted of involuntary manslaughter.

The family unsuccessfully sued the Campus company and her father became locally famous as the president of the San Diego Court Watchers Association.

In 1983, she ran for mayor against Roger Hedgecock, but lost the race amid criticism that she and her millionaire husband attempted to buy the election after spending $560,000 of their own money.

A nun recognized her and whispered to her that "if you want to conceal your identity, you should remember that homeless women don't read the financial pages."

Former councilman (and future city mayor) Bob Filner accused her of avoiding debate and "bullying people, one issue at a time."

O'Connor met her future husband Robert O. Peterson,[3] founder of the Jack in the Box fast food chain, while first running for city council.

The fund is reported to be virtually defunct, its sole assets being $2 million owed to it by unspecified foundation insiders.

[10] Prosecutors said her gambling activity exceeded $1 billion over the period 2000–2008, with net losses of around $13 million, leaving her "destitute".