Joseph Lagana

Joseph A. Lagana is a former American politician and attorney who served as a member of the New Jersey General Assembly and later the New Jersey Senate, representing the 38th Legislative District. A member of the Democratic Party, he held office in the Assembly from 2014 to 2018 and was appointed to the Senate in 2018, where he continued to serve until the conclusion of his legislative career. Lagana has a background in law and local governance, having also been involved in municipal politics prior to his tenure in the state legislature.

Early life and career

Joseph Lagana was born on December 15, 1978, and was raised in Ridgefield, New Jersey. He completed his secondary education at Ridgefield Memorial High School, where he likely developed an early interest in civic engagement and public service. Following high school, Lagana pursued higher education at Fordham University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in history in 2000. His academic journey continued at the Western Michigan University Cooley Law School, where he obtained his Juris Doctor degree in 2004.

After completing his legal education, Lagana began his professional career as a law clerk for Superior Court Judge John A. Conte. This experience provided him with valuable insights into the judicial system and the workings of legal processes. Subsequently, he joined the law firm Chasan Leyner & Lamparello in Secaucus, New Jersey, where he became a partner. His legal background would later inform his legislative work, particularly in areas related to law and governance.

In addition to his legal practice, Lagana was active in local government. He served on the planning board in Ridgefield, contributing to community development and planning initiatives. In 2009, he relocated to Paramus, New Jersey, where he continued his involvement in local politics. In the 2011 borough council elections, Lagana and his Democratic running mate successfully defeated two incumbent Republican councilmembers. Following the 2012 elections, which resulted in a Democratic majority on the borough council, Lagana was appointed council president in January 2013, further solidifying his role in local governance.

Legislative service

Lagana's entry into state-level politics began with his candidacy for the New Jersey General Assembly in the 38th Legislative District. In November 2013, he announced his intention to run for the seat being vacated by Connie Wagner, who chose not to seek reelection. Following Wagner's resignation in September 2013, the Democratic Party in the 38th District selected former assemblyman and state senator Paul Contillo to fill the remainder of her term. Lagana, however, focused on the upcoming election and successfully won a seat in the Assembly, being sworn in on January 14, 2014, at the start of the 2014 legislative session.

During his time in the New Jersey General Assembly, Lagana served for a total of four years, completing three distinct terms. He held the position of deputy parliamentarian from 2016 to 2017, a role that involved assisting in the management of legislative procedures and ensuring adherence to parliamentary rules. His legislative work during this period included addressing various issues pertinent to his constituents and the state of New Jersey.

In April 2018, following the resignation of Senator Robert M. Gordon, Lagana was appointed to the New Jersey Senate on April 12, 2018, to fill the vacancy. He subsequently participated in a special election on November 6, 2018, where he successfully defeated his Republican opponent, Daisy Ortiz Berger, to complete Gordon's unexpired term. Lagana's transition from the Assembly to the Senate marked a significant step in his political career, allowing him to represent his district at a higher legislative level.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the New Jersey Legislature, Lagana represented the 38th Legislative District, which encompasses parts of Bergen County. Each district in the New Jersey Legislature is represented by one senator and two assembly members. For the 2024–2025 Legislative Session, Lagana served alongside Assemblywoman Lisa Swain and Assemblyman Chris Tully, both of whom are also members of the Democratic Party.

Lagana's policy focus during his legislative career included a range of issues relevant to his constituents and the broader New Jersey community. His legal background likely influenced his approach to legislative matters, particularly in areas concerning labor, judiciary, and public policy. In the 2024–2025 Legislative Session, he was appointed as chair of the Labor Committee and served on the Judiciary Committee, reflecting his commitment to addressing labor-related issues and legal matters within the state.

Throughout his time in office, Lagana engaged with various community stakeholders and constituents, advocating for policies that aligned with the interests and needs of the residents in his district. His experience in local government and law provided him with a unique perspective on the challenges faced by communities in New Jersey, allowing him to contribute meaningfully to legislative discussions and initiatives.

In summary, Joseph Lagana's career as a state legislator is marked by his dedication to public service, legal expertise, and active engagement in local and state governance. His tenure in the New Jersey General Assembly and Senate reflects a commitment to representing the interests of the 38th Legislative District and addressing the challenges faced by its residents.