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Paul D. Tonko

Candidate websites

U.S. House District 20

2026 New York U.S. House District 20 — General Election · November 3, 2026

Published evidence-backed profile

Official filing status and all displayed profile fields are shown with retained source evidence. Final ballot placement remains explicitly pending.

Last reviewed September 17, 2026

Overview

Current race
2026 New York U.S. House District 20 — General Election on November 3, 2026
VerifiedSource: New York State Board of Elections
Official candidacy
U.S. House District 20 · Democratic · Incumbent
VerifiedOfficial records: New York State Board of Elections
Identity match
Identity verified in official records
VerifiedSource: New York State Board of Elections

Policy statements from campaign-controlled sources are labeled candidate positions; they are not independently presented as proven outcomes.

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Paul D. Tonko

Democratic

Experience

Verified records and candidate-provided claims are labeled separately.

GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION

Candidate-stated

Securing funding for science and clear climate policies is one of the reasons I first ran for Congress. Today, I am proud to sit on the Committee for Science, Space and Technology, and the Energy and Commerce Committee. As an engineer, I understand the importance of clean energy and the continued advancement of innovation in technology sectors.

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Securing funding for science and clear climate policies is one of the reasons I first ran for Congress. Today, I am proud to sit on the Committee for Science, Space and Technology, and the Energy and Commerce Committee. As an engineer, I understand the importance of clean energy and the continued advancement of innovation in technology sectors.

Candidate biography

Candidate-stated

A lifelong resident of Amsterdam, Paul has served as a progressive champion in the U.S. House of Representatives for the Capital Region since 2009. He is running for re-election to strengthen the voices of his constituents and all Americans who value good jobs, quality education, and economic and social justice.

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A lifelong resident of Amsterdam, Paul has served as a progressive champion in the U.S. House of Representatives for the Capital Region since 2009. He is running for re-election to strengthen the voices of his constituents and all Americans who value good jobs, quality education, and economic and social justice.

Candidate biography

Candidate-stated

Paul studied at Clarkson University in Potsdam, where he earned a degree in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering. As one of the few engineers in Congress, he takes a unique, measured and analytical approach to legislating. It’s the same approach he took as the President and CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), as well as during his twenty-five years in the New York State Assembly.

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Paul studied at Clarkson University in Potsdam, where he earned a degree in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering. As one of the few engineers in Congress, he takes a unique, measured and analytical approach to legislating. It’s the same approach he took as the President and CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), as well as during his twenty-five years in the New York State Assembly.

Positions and priorities

A position shows what the candidate said—not FactVote's endorsement.

Each summary is supported by the candidate's own words from a campaign source, direct candidate response, or official primary record retained with the profile.

FIGHTING CLIMATE CHANGE

Candidate position

In the past couple of years alone, we have seen the effects of climate change such as more frequent flooding, more violent weather systems, and a historic blizzard in Texas. Not only is fighting climate change our top global security threat as identified by the Pentagon, it will also bring stable and good paying jobs to the United States and the Capital Region.

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In the past couple of years alone, we have seen the effects of climate change such as more frequent flooding, more violent weather systems, and a historic blizzard in Texas. Not only is fighting climate change our top global security threat as identified by the Pentagon, it will also bring stable and good paying jobs to the United States and the Capital Region.

WORKER RIGHTS

Candidate position

After 4 years of Trump incompetence and ignorance of the COVID pandemic and favoring the already wealthy and well-connected, Joe Biden and Democrats have a big job ahead of us to not only build the nation back, but build it back STRONGER. As the nation begins to feel the effects of the American Rescue Act, we will continue to support those who need it.

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After 4 years of Trump incompetence and ignorance of the COVID pandemic and favoring the already wealthy and well-connected, Joe Biden and Democrats have a big job ahead of us to not only build the nation back, but build it back STRONGER. As the nation begins to feel the effects of the American Rescue Act, we will continue to support those who need it.

MENTAL HEALTH & OPIOIDS

Candidate position

Our economy is only as strong as the American worker. That's why Paul is committed to labor rights including the right to collectively bargain and form a union. To live up to the American promise, we must invest in our workforce, pay living wages at all levels, and ensure access to skill development programs.

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Our economy is only as strong as the American worker. That's why Paul is committed to labor rights including the right to collectively bargain and form a union. To live up to the American promise, we must invest in our workforce, pay living wages at all levels, and ensure access to skill development programs.

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Candidate position

We too often forget that those struggling with mental illness are constantly forced to fight a battle on two fronts. Not only do they have to grapple with themselves -- with their own thoughts and mind -- but they also have to contend with the negative assumptions made about those with mental illness, which are pervasive in our society.

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We too often forget that those struggling with mental illness are constantly forced to fight a battle on two fronts. Not only do they have to grapple with themselves -- with their own thoughts and mind -- but they also have to contend with the negative assumptions made about those with mental illness, which are pervasive in our society.

FIGHTING CORRUPTION

Candidate position

We should all work to make it easier to legally vote, not harder. Yet, Republicans continue their all-out assault on voting rights, making it more difficult to vote with fewer early voting days, fewer polling places, reduced hours, hurdles to mail-in voting, and more. Paul is committed to make sure everyone who wants to cast a legal vote should have more opportunity to do so -- not less.

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We should all work to make it easier to legally vote, not harder. Yet, Republicans continue their all-out assault on voting rights, making it more difficult to vote with fewer early voting days, fewer polling places, reduced hours, hurdles to mail-in voting, and more. Paul is committed to make sure everyone who wants to cast a legal vote should have more opportunity to do so -- not less.

FIGHTING CORRUPTION

Candidate position

After 4 years of seemingly countless scandals, corruption, and a focus on Trump's relatives and inner circle, the federal government now has the chance to return to a dedicated mission For The People. Corruption is not unique to one political party and we must remain forever vigilant against that which causes distrust in government.

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After 4 years of seemingly countless scandals, corruption, and a focus on Trump's relatives and inner circle, the federal government now has the chance to return to a dedicated mission For The People. Corruption is not unique to one political party and we must remain forever vigilant against that which causes distrust in government.

Issues & Priorities

Candidate position
Goal / Priority

FIGHTING CLIMATE CHANGE

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FIGHTING CLIMATE CHANGE

Paul's Action Plan

Candidate position
Goal / Priority

Protecting Reproductive Rights

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Protecting Reproductive Rights

Protect Reproductive Rights

Candidate position
FactVote summary · Goal / Priority

Prioritizes protecting reproductive rights and access to reproductive healthcare.

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Protect Reproductive Rights

Adopt a National Clean-Energy Policy

Candidate position
FactVote summary · Policy

Supports a national clean-energy policy intended to harness innovation, address climate change, and support new employment.

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Adopt a National Clean-Energy Policy

Expand Mental-Health and Opioid Support

Candidate position
FactVote summary · Goal / Priority

Prioritizes stronger support for people experiencing mental illness and opioid-use disorder.

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Expand Mental-Health and Opioid Support

Advance Social, Racial, Economic, and Climate Justice

Candidate position
FactVote summary · Goal / Priority

Prioritizes equal access to long-term opportunity for underserved communities across social, racial, economic, and climate policy.

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Advance Social, Racial, Economic, and Climate Justice

Strengthen Health Care and Improve the Affordable Care Act

Candidate position
FactVote summary · Goal / Priority

Prioritizes affordable healthcare and improvements to parts of the Affordable Care Act that he says are not working well.

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Strengthen Health Care and Improve the Affordable Care Act

Protect Collective Bargaining and Union Rights

Candidate position
FactVote summary · Belief

Supports workers’ rights to collectively bargain and form unions.

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Protect Collective Bargaining and Union Rights

Support Living Wages and Workforce Skill Development

Candidate position
FactVote summary · Goal / Priority

Prioritizes living wages, workforce investment, and access to skills-development programs.

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Support Living Wages and Workforce Skill Development

Support Scientific Integrity and Technology Innovation

Candidate position
FactVote summary · Goal / Priority

Prioritizes scientific integrity, research funding, clean-energy development, and continued innovation in technology sectors.

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Support Scientific Integrity and Technology Innovation

Prevent Gun Violence

Candidate position
FactVote summary · Goal / Priority

Prioritizes reducing gun violence in schools, neighborhoods, and communities.

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Prevent Gun Violence

Expand Legal Voting Access

Candidate position
FactVote summary · Goal / Priority

Prioritizes making it easier for eligible voters to cast lawful ballots and expanding access to voting.

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Expand Legal Voting Access

Fight Corruption and Reduce Big Money in Politics

Candidate position
FactVote summary · Goal / Priority

Prioritizes fighting government corruption and reducing the influence of large political spending.

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Fight Corruption and Reduce Big Money in Politics

Bring Jobs to the Capital Region and Support Local Businesses

Candidate position
FactVote summary · Goal / Priority

Prioritizes attracting quality jobs to the Capital Region and providing local businesses with tools to grow.

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Bring Jobs to the Capital Region and Support Local Businesses

Invest in Roads, Bridges, Pipes, and Water Systems

Candidate position
FactVote summary · Policy

Supports infrastructure investment to upgrade roads, bridges, pipes, and water systems.

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Invest in Roads, Bridges, Pipes, and Water Systems

Protect and Promote National Heritage Areas

Candidate position
FactVote summary · Goal / Priority

Prioritizes protecting and promoting National Heritage Areas.

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Protect and Promote National Heritage Areas

Advance STEM Education for Future Job Markets

Candidate position
FactVote summary · Goal / Priority

Prioritizes STEM education aligned with the skills and workforce needs of future job markets.

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Advance STEM Education for Future Job Markets

Public record

Complete current-service U.S. House floor record and selected highlights

10,833 captured official records

The searchable archive contains 10,833 exact attributed records from the official House Clerk (6486 yes, 4147 no, 100 present, 73 not voting, and 27 other published choices). The examples below are representative highlights, not a scorecard.

Coverage: January 6, 2009 through July 23, 2026
Vote events
10,833
Unique measures
4,923
Final passage
3,124
Yes / No
6,486 / 4,147
Common subjects in the archive
Taxes and public spending 483Healthcare 226Education 201Elections and government 120Environment and energy 118

These are descriptive counts from captured official records, not an ideology, effectiveness, or intent score. Subject labels are navigation aids assigned from official measure text. A vote does not establish why the candidate voted that way or support for every provision in a measure.

See all 10,833 records
final passageVoted no

Removing Barriers to Work for Disabled Americans Act

Passed

What this issue meant

Paul D. Tonko is recorded as voting no in the official record for on passage.

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Issue: H R 8884

Vote question: On Passage

Official description: Removing Barriers to Work for Disabled Americans Act

Tonko | Democratic | NY | Nay

July 23, 2026
resolutionVoted yes

Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran

Passed

What this issue meant

Paul D. Tonko is recorded as voting yes in the official record for on agreeing to the resolution.

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Issue: H CON RES 89

Vote question: On Agreeing to the Resolution

Official description: Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran

Tonko | Democratic | NY | Yea

July 23, 2026
resolutionVoted no

Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2027 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2028 through 2036

Passed

What this issue meant

Paul D. Tonko is recorded as voting no in the official record for on agreeing to the resolution.

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Issue: H CON RES 113

Vote question: On Agreeing to the Resolution

Official description: Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2027 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2028 through 2036

Tonko | Democratic | NY | Nay

July 22, 2026
final passageVoted no

Stop Insider Trading Act

Passed

What this issue meant

Paul D. Tonko is recorded as voting no in the official record for on passage.

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Issue: H R 7008

Vote question: On Passage

Official description: Stop Insider Trading Act

Tonko | Democratic | NY | Nay

July 22, 2026
amendmentVoted no

Grothman of Wisconsin Part A Amendment No. 316

Failed

What this issue meant

Paul D. Tonko is recorded as voting no in the official record for on agreeing to the amendment.

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Issue: H R 8800

Vote question: On Agreeing to the Amendment

Official description: Grothman of Wisconsin Part A Amendment No. 316

Tonko | Democratic | NY | No

July 22, 2026
amendmentVoted no

Harrigan of North Carolina Part A Amendment No. 44

Agreed to

What this issue meant

Paul D. Tonko is recorded as voting no in the official record for on agreeing to the amendment.

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Issue: H R 8800

Vote question: On Agreeing to the Amendment

Official description: Harrigan of North Carolina Part A Amendment No. 44

Tonko | Democratic | NY | No

July 22, 2026
amendmentVoted yes

Boebert of Colorado Part A Amendment No. 4

Agreed to

What this issue meant

Paul D. Tonko is recorded as voting yes in the official record for on agreeing to the amendment.

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Issue: H R 8800

Vote question: On Agreeing to the Amendment

Official description: Boebert of Colorado Part A Amendment No. 4

Tonko | Democratic | NY | Aye

July 21, 2026
resolutionVoted no

Providing for consideration of the bills (H.R. 8800, H.R. 8884, H.R. 7008, H.R. 6955, and H.R. 9770); and providing for consideration of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 113)

Passed

What this issue meant

Paul D. Tonko is recorded as voting no in the official record for on agreeing to the resolution.

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Issue: H RES 1438

Vote question: On Agreeing to the Resolution

Official description: Providing for consideration of the bills (H.R. 8800, H.R. 8884, H.R. 7008, H.R. 6955, and H.R. 9770); and providing for consideration of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 113)

Tonko | Democratic | NY | No

July 21, 2026

House Clerk roll calls through 2025 are reconciled from retained official XML through exact Bioguide IDs. For 2026, shared roll metadata and XML hashes are reused from the existing verified Clerk archive, while each New York position is independently reconciled from the official Clerk vote HTML through exact published name, party, and state plus the separately verified MemberData Bioguide bridge. Missing exact rows remain explicit omissions and are never inferred.

Campaign finance

Official filings may be amended after publication.

FEC candidate totals January 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026.

Total receipts
$957,586.69
Total disbursements
$1,152,761.13
Cash on hand
$404,327.47
Committee debt
$0.00
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Candidate ID: H8NY21203

Name: TONKO, PAUL DAVID

Office: House

State: NY

District: NY20

Coverage start: 2025-01-01

Coverage end: 2026-06-30

Total receipts: $957586.69

Total disbursements: $1152761.13

Cash on hand: $404327.47

Open Federal Election Commission record ↗

Sources

Every profile claim points back to retained source evidence.

  1. Election record

    Paul D. Tonko — certified 2026 New York general-election record

    New York State Board of Elections

    Open New York State Board of Elections
  2. Candidate-owned primary source

    Paul D. Tonko — candidate-owned primary source 2

    Paul D. Tonko campaign

    Open Paul D. Tonko campaign

    Link checked September 15, 2026.

  3. Candidate-owned primary source

    Paul D. Tonko — candidate-owned primary source 3

    Paul D. Tonko campaign

    Open Paul D. Tonko campaign
  4. Government public record

    Paul D. Tonko — U.S. House roll call 2026-283

    Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives

    Open Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives
  5. Government public record

    Paul D. Tonko — U.S. House roll call 2026-282

    Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives

    Open Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives
  6. Government public record

    Paul D. Tonko — U.S. House roll call 2026-281

    Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives

    Open Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives
  7. Government public record

    Paul D. Tonko — U.S. House roll call 2026-280

    Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives

    Open Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives
  8. Government public record

    Paul D. Tonko — U.S. House roll call 2026-276

    Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives

    Open Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives
  9. Government public record

    Paul D. Tonko — U.S. House roll call 2026-275

    Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives

    Open Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives
  10. Government public record

    Paul D. Tonko — U.S. House roll call 2026-258

    Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives

    Open Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives
  11. Government public record

    Paul D. Tonko — U.S. House roll call 2026-254

    Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives

    Open Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives
  12. Campaign-finance record

    Paul D. Tonko — official FEC candidate totals

    Federal Election Commission

    Open Federal Election Commission
  13. Candidate-provided

    Paul D. Tonko campaign source 1

    Paul D. Tonko campaign

    Open Paul D. Tonko campaign
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