Clinton Calabrese

Clinton Calabrese is a Democratic politician currently serving as a member of the New Jersey General Assembly, representing the 36th Legislative District. He was sworn into office on February 10, 2018, following his selection to fill a vacancy left by the resignation of Marlene Caride. Calabrese has a background in education and real estate, and he has held various roles in local governance prior to his election to the Assembly. As of the 2024-2025 legislative session, he serves as the chair of the Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee and as the vice-chair of the Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee.

Early life and career

Clinton Calabrese was born on March 4, 1986. He grew up in Cliffside Park, New Jersey, where he was influenced by a family deeply involved in local politics. His father, Gerald Calabrese Jr., serves as the chairman of the Cliffside Park Democratic Party, and his grandfather, Gerald Calabrese, was a former professional basketball player who held the position of mayor of Cliffside Park for 50 years. This familial connection to public service likely shaped Calabrese's interest in politics from an early age.

Calabrese completed his secondary education at Don Bosco Preparatory High School, graduating in 2004. He then attended Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia, where he earned a bachelor's degree in business administration. Following his undergraduate studies, he pursued further education at New York University, obtaining a master's degree in real estate finance. His academic background provided him with a strong foundation for a career in both business and public service.

Before entering the New Jersey General Assembly, Calabrese served on the Board of Education for the Cliffside Park School District. This role allowed him to engage directly with educational policy and community issues, further preparing him for his legislative responsibilities. In addition to his public service, he has worked as an analyst for Deutsche Bank and is currently a principal at Alkova Companies, a real estate investment firm. His professional experience in finance and real estate has contributed to his understanding of economic and development issues that are pertinent to his constituents.

Legislative service

Clinton Calabrese was appointed to the New Jersey General Assembly on February 8, 2018, after being selected by Democratic county committee members from Bergen and Passaic counties. He took office at the age of 31, making him the youngest member of the Assembly at that time. His appointment came after Marlene Caride resigned to accept a cabinet-level position as head of the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance under Governor Phil Murphy.

Since his election, Calabrese has been active in various legislative initiatives and has served on multiple committees. For the 2024-2025 legislative session, he holds significant positions as the chair of the Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee and as the vice-chair of the Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee. These roles allow him to influence key areas of policy that affect transportation infrastructure, tourism, and the arts within New Jersey.

Throughout his legislative career, Calabrese has sponsored several bills that have been signed into law. Notably, during the 2018-2019 legislative session, he was the primary sponsor of legislation aimed at improving public safety and awareness. One such bill requires the display of identifying information on the rear of school buses to facilitate reporting of driver misconduct. Another piece of legislation he sponsored applies the Meadowlands regional hotel use assessment to all municipalities participating in the Meadowlands tax sharing program. Additionally, he directed the New Jersey Department of Agriculture to establish a public awareness campaign focused on food waste, highlighting his commitment to environmental issues.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the New Jersey General Assembly representing the 36th Legislative District, Clinton Calabrese focuses on a range of policy areas that are significant to his constituents. His district includes parts of Bergen and Passaic counties, which are diverse in terms of demographics and economic activities. This diversity influences his legislative priorities and the issues he addresses in the Assembly.

Transportation is a key area of focus for Calabrese, particularly in his role as chair of the Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee. He advocates for improvements in public transportation infrastructure, which is essential for the mobility of residents in his district and the broader region. By addressing transportation challenges, he aims to enhance accessibility and promote economic development.

In addition to transportation, Calabrese is also engaged in issues related to tourism, gaming, and the arts, as reflected in his vice-chair position on the corresponding committee. These sectors are vital to New Jersey's economy, and his work in this area seeks to promote initiatives that support local businesses and cultural institutions.

Overall, Clinton Calabrese's legislative service is characterized by a commitment to addressing the needs of his constituents through active participation in key policy areas. His background in business and education, combined with his family’s political legacy, informs his approach to governance and public service in New Jersey.