Meet Paul Kanitra

Assemblyman Paul Kanitra represents the 10th Legislative District in the New Jersey General Assembly, where he is focused on delivering fiscal responsibility, protecting the Jersey Shore, and improving the quality of life for families across Ocean County.

He serves on the following Assembly committees, Public Safety and Preparedness, Telecommunications and Utilities and Children, Families and Food Security. In addition, the Assemblyman is a member of the New Jersey Historical Commission and NJ Legislative Youth Council as well as the Manufacturing Caucus and the Legislative Energy Task Force Committee.  In 2025, he was named President of GOPAC’s Class of Emerging Leaders, a national honor recognizing rising elected officials who are shaping the future of the Republican Party.

Before joining the Assembly, Paul served as Mayor of Point Pleasant Beach from 2020 to 2023, following a successful term as councilman. As mayor, he guided the community through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, championed small business initiatives, and preserved the character of one of New Jersey’s most iconic shore towns. He also served on the board of the New Jersey Conference of Mayors, working to advocate for municipalities across the state.

Paul is a proud 2001 graduate of Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in political science. His early career in public service began as an aide to U.S. Rep. Mike Ferguson of New Jersey, where he worked for two years on federal issues affecting local communities. He later oversaw government relations for the Associated Locksmiths of America, the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony in Nevada, and Carfax. In 2009, he founded Lobbyit, a Washington-based lobbying firm, and continues to serve as its president, building it into one of the most innovative and accessible firms in the industry.

In his first term in the Assembly, Paul’s leadership and service have earned him recognition from a diverse range of organizations. He was honored as the 2024 Legislator of the Year by the Associated Builders and Contractors New Jersey Chapter and chosen among 50 lawmakers nationwide for the State Legislative Leadership Foundation. His work has also been recognized with the Tax and Budget Advocate Award from Jersey 1st, the Public Free Speech Award from the Media Research Center, and the 2025 Guardian of the Family Legislative Award from the New Jersey Family Policy Center.

Beyond his public service, Paul has demonstrated a strong commitment to humanitarian efforts when he led an aid mission to Ukraine, personally delivering supplies to civilians impacted by the war. Recently, he embarked on fact-finding trips to both the Gaza–Israeli border and the U.S.–Mexico border. He carries this same spirit of compassion, service, and practical problem-solving into his work in the Legislature.

Paul resides in Point Pleasant Beach with his wife, Alora, their son Paul Bradley, and their Labrador retriever, Jetty. A lifelong Jersey Shore resident, he is proud to represent the communities where he grew up and continues to work tirelessly to keep New Jersey affordable, safe, and vibrant for future generations.