Overview

John J. Burzichelli is a Democratic member of the New Jersey State Senate, representing the 3rd Legislative District since January 2024. He previously served in the New Jersey General Assembly from 2002 to 2022, representing the same district, and served as Assembly Deputy Speaker from 2006 to 2021. Burzichelli served as Mayor of Paulsboro from 1996 to 2011, following in the footsteps of his father, John D. Burzichelli, who also served as Paulsboro mayor. Professionally, he is managing partner of Hill Studio and Scenic in Paulsboro, a facility providing studio services and special effects to the motion picture, video, and photography industries. Burzichelli has been recognized for his work on budget and appropriations matters during his two decades in the Assembly, where he served as Chair of the Appropriations Committee and Vice-Chair of the Budget Committee.

Political Career

Mayor, Paulsboro (1996–2011)

New Jersey General Assembly, District 3 (2002–2022)

Assistant Majority Leader, General Assembly (2004–2005)

Deputy Speaker, General Assembly (2006–2021)

Chair, Assembly Appropriations Committee (2014–2022)

Vice-Chair, Assembly Budget Committee (2014–2022)

New Jersey State Senator, District 3 (2024–present)

Key Policy Areas

Budget and appropriations

Transportation infrastructure

State procurement and contracting

Agriculture and farmland preservation

Gaming and tourism

Municipal governance

Notable Actions / Initiatives

Served as Chair of the Assembly Appropriations Committee from 2014 to 2022, controlling the flow of spending legislation in the lower house

Served as Deputy Speaker of the General Assembly from 2006 to 2021, the second-highest ranking position in the Assembly leadership structure

Appointed by Governor Chris Christie to the New Jersey Red Tape Review Commission in 2010, examining state regulatory reform

Authored legislation establishing a State definition of anti-Semitism and creating a public awareness campaign (S1292)

Sponsored legislation requiring regional economic and land use impact reports for large warehouse developments (S3025)

Sponsored legislation establishing tax credits for commercial farm operators experiencing price loss (S4469, "New Jersey Loves New Jersey Farmers Act")

Education

High School Diploma, Paulsboro High School (1972)

Personal

Birth date: November 14, 1954

Residence: Paulsboro, New Jersey