Paul Tonko

Paul Tonko grew up in Amsterdam, near where his Polish immigrant grandparents had settled as farmers.¹ He has described the space race as an inspiration for studying engineering.¹ He has said that volunteering for local campaigns helped him discover how much he liked meeting voters door to door, despite his reluctance to make public speeches.¹ He earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical and industrial engineering from Clarkson University in 1971, then worked for New York's transportation and public service agencies.²

His public career included Montgomery County's Board of Supervisors, beginning in 1976, followed by the state Assembly from 1983 to 2007.³ He chaired the Assembly's Energy Committee before serving as president and CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority in 2007 and 2008.²

Tonko worked with local leaders on Amsterdam's Mohawk Valley Gateway Overlook pedestrian bridge, helping secure state funding before it opened in 2016.¹ He entered Congress in 2009 and now serves on Energy and Commerce and the Budget Committee, with a leadership role as the Environment Subcommittee's ranking Democrat.⁴

Tonko faces Republican Ralph Ambrosio in the November election.⁵ His published energy agenda emphasizes efficiency, renewable resources, clean technology and domestic manufacturing.⁶ He also cochairs the Addiction, Treatment, and Recovery Caucus.⁴