After serving as a delegate and a clerk for the 1868 state convention that drafted a new state constitution, O'Hara—a Republican—served in the North Carolina House of Representatives from 1868 to 1869. In 1873, he was elected chairman of the Halifax County board of commissioners.
After serving as a delegate and clerk for the 1868 state convention that drafted a new state constitution, O'Hara—a Republican—served in the North Carolina House of Representatives from 1868 to 1869. In 1873, he was elected chairman of the Halifax County board of commissioners.