Paul Tonko

Paul David Tonko is a Democratic politician who has served as the U.S. Representative for New York’s 20th congressional district (formerly the 21st) since January 3, 2009. Born and raised in Amsterdam, New York, Tonko graduated from Clarkson University in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical and industrial engineering. Before his career in public office, he worked as an engineer for the New York Public Service Commission and served as the youngest-ever member of the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors, where he was chairman from 1981 to 1983. Tonko's legislative experience includes 25 years in the New York State Assembly (1983–2007), where he chaired the Energy Committee and championed 'Timothy’s Law,' a landmark mental health parity mandate. Prior to being elected to Congress in 2008, he served as the president and CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). In Washington, he has become a senior member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, serving as a leading voice on environmental policy and scientific integrity. Throughout his congressional tenure, Tonko has focused on energy efficiency, climate change mitigation, and the expansion of the clean energy economy. He is a co-chair of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition and the Congressional Mental Health Caucus. His work often bridges his engineering background with policy development, particularly regarding national drinking water standards, toxic substance regulation, and manufacturing competitiveness.

Tonko maintains a staunchly progressive voting record with a primary focus on environmental and social welfare issues. He is a vocal supporter of the Affordable Care Act, advocating for its expansion and the inclusion of robust mental health and addiction recovery services. On the environment, he supports aggressive action to combat climate change, advocating for a transition to a carbon-neutral economy through investments in renewable energy and green infrastructure. Economically, Tonko supports labor rights, collective bargaining, and raising the federal minimum wage, while promoting the growth of clean-energy jobs in the Capital Region. On foreign policy, he has consistently supported international alliances and aid to democratic allies, including voting in favor of security assistance for Ukraine. He also advocates for comprehensive immigration reform and the protection of voting rights.