Born in East Orange, New Jersey, to proud Irish parents and raised in the Vailsburg section of Newark, Senator Joe Cryan represents New Jersey in all aspects of his life. Growing up in his family’s lively bars and restaurants, his family instilled in him the importance of hard work, understanding the value of an education, and looking out for those in need. These are foundations that continue to guide Senator Cryan today. After attending Seton Hall Prep for high school, Senator Cryan went on to graduate in 1983 from Belmont Abbey College with a degree in Business Administration. After graduating, he worked at ITT Avionics in Clifton, where he managed defense contracts for 10 years, after which he elected to join his family’s famed restaurants. Senator Cryan was elected to the office of Democratic Municipal Chairman in Union Township in 1996 before seeking higher office.
Senator Cryan was elected to the New Jersey General Assembly representing Legislative District 20 (Elizabeth, Union, Roselle, and Hillside) from 2002 until 2014. During this time, he served as an undersheriff for Union County. During his time in the Assembly, he served as the Majority Leader and chaired or served on over a dozen committees, as well as holding the role of Chair for the New Jersey Democratic State Committee from 2006-2010. He left the Assembly to pursue the role of County Sheriff, to which he was elected in 2014.
He was elected to the New Jersey State Senate in 2017, again representing the 20th District. Senator Cryan currently chairs the Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, serves as Vice Chair on the Senate Commerce Committee, and co-chairs the Joint Committee on Public Schools.
Senator Cryan continues to honor his heritage as a member of numerous Irish community groups. He was a founding member of the Irish American Society of Union, the first General Chairman and most recent Grand Marshal of the Union County Saint Patrick's Parade and has been the standard bearer of the Cryan Association for the past two decades.
Currently, Senator Cryan serves as the Executive Director for the Middlesex County Utilities Authority, a position he’s held for five years. He and his wife Kathy, live in Union Township with their dog, Scout. Kathy and Joe share one son, John, and three daughters, Megan, Hannah, and Katie. They have five grandchildren, Liam, Landon, Jordan, MacKenzie, and Harper, and are excited to welcome a sixth one soon.