Erik C. Peterson was born on March 8, 1966, in Camden County, New Jersey. He graduated from Cherry Hill High School East and earned a bachelor's degree in business management from North Carolina State University in 1988. He attended Temple University School of Law, graduating in 1996, and was admitted to the bar in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania that same year.
Peterson began his professional career in the financial services sector, joining the Beneficial Management Corporation in 1990 through its Accelerated Management Program. He eventually led the New Jersey operations of Beneficial's mortgage banking subsidiary before transitioning to law. He practiced at several firms from 1998 to 2004, including Gordon & Peterson LLC and Large, Scammell & Danzinger LLC, before establishing his own law office in Readington Township. His practice specializes in real estate law, estate law, and business law. He also owns Pep Title Agency, a real estate title company.
Peterson entered electoral politics in 2005 when he was elected to the Hunterdon County Board of Chosen Freeholders. He served from January 1, 2006, until December 7, 2009, when he was selected by Republican county committee members to fill a vacancy in the New Jersey General Assembly. The vacancy was created when Assemblyman Michael J. Doherty was elected to the State Senate. Peterson was sworn into the Assembly on December 7, 2009, and has been re-elected continuously since then.
In January 2022, Peterson sought the Republican nomination for New Jersey's 7th congressional district, challenging incumbent Democrat Tom Malinowski. He received the endorsement of the New Jersey Second Amendment Society but was unable to secure the party line in any county within the district. He finished third in the Republican primary with 8,493 votes (15.4%), behind Tom Kean Jr., who went on to win the general election.
In the Assembly, Peterson serves as Deputy Minority Whip and has previously served as Republican Parliamentarian (2020–2023) and Assistant Republican Whip (2015–2016). He was re-elected in November 2025 alongside Assemblyman John DiMaio.
Political Career
• New Jersey General Assemblyman, District 23 (2009–present); sworn in December 7, 2009; current term ends January 11, 2028; re-elected 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023, 2025
• Deputy Minority Whip, New Jersey General Assembly (2024–present)
• Republican Parliamentarian, New Jersey General Assembly (2020–2023)
• Assistant Republican Whip, New Jersey General Assembly (2015–2016)
• Hunterdon County Board of Chosen Freeholders (2006–2009); elected 2005; resigned December 7, 2009
• Candidate for U.S. House, NJ-7 (2022); finished third in Republican primary with 15.4%
Key Policy Areas
• Fiscal responsibility and government spending reform
• Second Amendment rights and firearm policy
• Health policy and senior services
• Law and public safety
• Telecommunications and utilities regulation
• Real estate and property rights
Notable Actions / Initiatives
• Served as prime sponsor of legislation revising in-state tuition rates for undocumented students at public higher education institutions (2024)
• Served as Deputy Minority Whip, coordinating Republican Assembly member votes and legislative strategy (2024–present)
• Sought Republican nomination for NJ-7 congressional seat in 2022, finishing third in primary behind Tom Kean Jr.
• Served on Assembly Health Committee and Public Safety and Preparedness Committee during 2024–2025 legislative session
• Previously served on Appropriations, Labor, Judiciary, and Telecommunications and Utilities committees
Education
• B.S., Business Management, North Carolina State University (1988)
• J.D., Temple University School of Law (1996)
Personal
• Birth date: March 8, 1966 (age 60 as of 2026)
• Residence: Franklin Township, Hunterdon County, New Jersey
• Spouse: Jenni Peterson
• Children: Four
• Profession: Attorney; Owner, Law Office of Erik C. Peterson LLC; Owner, Pep Title Agency
• Affiliations: Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce; Lions Club; United Way board member
