Paul Anthony Sarlo is an Italian-American construction industry executive and Democratic politician representing New Jersey's 36th Legislative District in the State Senate since 2003. He serves as Deputy Majority Leader of the New Jersey Senate and Chairman of the Budget and Appropriations Committee, with additional roles on the Judiciary Committee, Higher Education Committee, Joint Budget Oversight Committee, and Senate Legislative Oversight Committee. Sarlo has been Mayor of Wood-Ridge since 2000 and previously served on its Borough Council from 1995-2000. Notable achievements include sponsoring over 150 bills signed into law, such as reforms to New Jersey’s workers’ compensation system, criminalization of prescription drug trafficking, school bullying prevention policies, upgraded identity theft penalties, and a 2024 bill expanding operations post-COVID signed by Governor Phil Murphy. He is a licensed Professional Engineer, Professional Planner, and Certified Municipal Engineer, currently Chief Operating Officer at Joseph M. Sanzari Construction Inc., overseeing $2 billion in infrastructure projects.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Attended Wood-Ridge public schools; earned B.S. and M.S. in Civil Engineering from New Jersey Institute of Technology ; received honorary Ph.D. in 2022, inducted into NJIT’s Newark College of Engineering Hall of Fame and Athletic Hall of Fame ; named Construction Engineer of the Year by NJPEC.
• Political Experience: Elected to New Jersey General Assembly ; appointed to Senate to fill unexpired term, elected to full term and re-elected subsequently; Assistant Majority Leader ; Deputy Majority Leader ; N.J. Legislative Apportionment Commission ; Mayor of Wood-Ridge .