Paul D. TonkoPaul D. Tonko

A lifelong resident of Amsterdam, NY, Paul has served as a progressive champion in the U.S. House of Representatives for the Capital Region since 2009. He is running for re-election to strengthen the voices of his constituents and all Americans 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.

Incumbent

Congressman Paul Tonko has worked to promote diplomacy over war. About Iran, he said, “President Trump committed an illegal and unauthorized act of war against Iran, which will lead to untold consequences. The American people don’t want another war of choice in the Middle East. Congress must reconvene immediately and vote on the Iran War Powers Act resolution to contain the fallout and prevent further dangerous escalation.”

Every endorsed candidate voted for the Faster Labor Contracts Act, a Teamsters-backed bill that would streamline the process for newly organized workers who are working to secure their first collective bargaining agreement. "It's an honor to support this bipartisan group of incumbents, because the Faster Labor Contracts Act is a gamechanger, and it will empower workers more than any federal law that's been passed since the New Deal," said Thomas Gesualdi, President of Teamsters Joint Council 16. "Support for this bill is a litmus test for whether a member of Congress actually supports the American worker, and every one of our endorsed candidates passed that test with flying colors."

Paul Tonko is running for Congressional district 20