Paul Tonko brings a unique engineering background to Congress, having worked as a mechanical engineer before entering politics and serving as president and CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. A steadfast progressive voice on environmental issues, he has made clean energy and climate action central to his legislative agenda, drawing on his technical expertise to advocate for renewable energy development and energy efficiency programs. Tonko previously served over two decades in the New York State Assembly, where he built a reputation as a policy wonk focused on healthcare, education, and environmental protection.