A lifelong resident of Amsterdam, Congressman Tonko has served as a progressive champion in the United States House of Representatives for the Capital Region since 2009. He is running for re-election to strengthen the voices of his constituents, and Americans everywhere who value good jobs, quality education, and economic and social justice.
Paul studied at Clarkson University in Potsdam, where he earned a degree in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering. As one of the few engineers in Congress, he takes a unique, measured and analytical approach to legislating. It’s the same approach he took as the President and CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), as well as during his twenty-five years in the New York State Assembly.
As a senior member on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce – and the Chairman of its subcommittee on the Environment and Climate Change – Paul continues to push for a clean energy economy that enhances public health and pioneers an emerging market for new jobs. He also serves on the House Science, Space and Technology Committee and on the House Committee on Natural Resources, positioning him as a leading architect of climate action in Congress.
Throughout his tenure in Congress, Congressman Tonko has been a champion of legislation focusing on the environment and creating clean energy opportunities for all Americans. Most recently he introduced legislation alongside his colleagues in the Energy & Commerce committee to achieve a 100 Percent Clean Economy by 2050; an ambitious goal the United Nations states is necessary to reach to prevent the most disastrous aspects of climate change from affecting those worldwide. Furthermore, Congressman Tonko’s dedication to protecting the safety of his constituents can be seen with his sponsorship of legislation including the “Moving Forward Act” alongside Congressman Anthony Delgado (NY-19). This legislation includes limo safety regulations following the tragic limo accident in Schoharie County in 2018 which killed 20 people.
New York’s 20th Congressional District includes all of Albany and Schenectady Counties, and parts of Montgomery, Rensselaer, and Saratoga Counties. The communities of Albany, Schenectady, Troy, Saratoga Springs, and Amsterdam all lie within the district’s boundaries. For more information on Congressman Tonko, please visit https://paultonko.com/ .