Overview

Donald A. Guardian represents New Jersey's 2nd Legislative District in the General Assembly, encompassing Atlantic County's shore towns, mainland suburbs and Pinelands communities. First elected in 2021 and sworn in on January 11, 2022, Guardian is the first openly gay Republican legislator in New Jersey history and, as of 2022, the only openly gay member of the state legislature. He currently serves as Assistant Minority Whip.

Prior to his legislative service, Guardian served as Mayor of Atlantic City from 2014 to 2017, becoming the first Republican to hold that office since 1990. During his mayoral tenure, he managed the city through the closure of four casinos and the loss of 10,000 jobs, inheriting a $100 million deficit while fighting against a state takeover. He previously directed the Atlantic City Special Improvement District for 20 years under the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority.

Guardian worked for 15 years as a Boy Scouts executive after graduating from college in 1975, and served as Business Administrator for Toms River Township from 2018 to 2020. During his first three years in the Assembly, Guardian sponsored 17 bills that became law, all passing with bipartisan support.

Political Career

New Jersey General Assembly, 2nd District (2022–present)

Assistant Minority Whip, New Jersey General Assembly (2024–present)

Business Administrator, Toms River Township (2018–2020)

Mayor, Atlantic City (2014–2017)

Director, Atlantic City Special Improvement District (1994–2014)

Key Policy Areas

Tourism and gaming industry regulation

Municipal fiscal management and tax reduction

Behavioral health and addiction services

LGBTQ+ representation in government

Community development and women's affairs

Oversight and federal relations

Notable Actions / Initiatives

First openly gay Republican legislator in New Jersey history

Managed Atlantic City through $100 million deficit and four casino closures during mayoral tenure

Sponsored 17 pieces of legislation signed into law during first three Assembly terms, all with bipartisan support

Co-sponsored legislation creating behavioral health court pilot program (A3650)

Education

Upsala College, Bachelor of Arts in History (1975)

Personal

Birth date: June 12, 1953

Residence: Atlantic City, New Jersey