Patrick J. Diegnan Jr. is a Democratic state senator representing New Jersey's 18th Legislative District, which includes municipalities such as East Brunswick, Edison, Highland Park, and South Plainfield, where he was born and raised. Born on March 19, 1949, he is an attorney with a private law practice in South Plainfield and the author of more than 260 bills signed into law over his 23+ years as a legislator. Notable achievements include pioneering health and safety policies for high school athletes ; banning synthetic plastic microbeads to protect waterways ; mandating electric school buses; requiring PPE stockpiles in healthcare facilities post-COVID; and sponsoring voter approval for new charter schools and teacher technology certifications. He currently chairs the Senate Transportation Committee, serves on the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee and NJ Transit Select Committee, and is a devoted husband and father of two daughters.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: B.A. in political science from Seton Hall University ; J.D. from Seton Hall Law School ; admitted to the New Jersey bar in 1974. Former instructor of law and accounting at Middlesex County College.
• Political Experience: Elected to the General Assembly for the 18th District in 2001, serving eight terms as Deputy Speaker , Parliamentarian , and Chair of the Education Committee. Appointed to the Senate in 2016 and serving continuously through at least the 2024-2025 session.