Senator Andrew Zwicker

Andrew Zwicker is a Democratic state senator from New Jersey, born on May 17, 1964, in New York and raised in Englewood, New Jersey. He is a physicist and educator who has dedicated his career to both scientific research and public service. As a lifelong New Jersey resident, Zwicker brings a science-based pragmatic approach to legislative work, focusing on innovation-driven economic development, climate action, and democratic reform.

Zwicker currently serves as head of Public Engagement & Strategic Partnerships at Princeton University's Plasma Physics Laboratory, a world leader in fusion energy research. He is recognized as a Fellow of the American Physical Society and was named by the American Association of Physics Teachers as one of the 75 leading contributors to physics education in the United States.

Education

Zwicker earned a bachelor's degree in physics from Bard College and both a master's degree and Ph.D. in physics from Johns Hopkins University.

Political Experience

Zwicker made history as the first Democrat ever elected to the 16th Legislative District. He served in the New Jersey General Assembly for three terms from 2016 to 2021, where he chaired the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee. He was elected to the New Jersey Senate in November 2021 and has served since then as the first Democratic senator representing the district.

In the Senate, Zwicker holds several key positions: Chair of the Legislative Oversight Committee, Vice-Chair of the Higher Education and Labor Committees, and sits on the Budget and Appropriations Committee. He is also a member of the Manufacturing Caucus, Disability Caucus, and serves on the New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation, and Technology.

His legislative priorities include investing in research and development as an economic driver, addressing climate change, protecting voting rights, and creating high-quality jobs. Zwicker has received numerous honors including the 2023 Educator of the Year Award from the R&D Council of New Jersey and the 2023 Emerald Award from the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters.