Democrat Ralph R. Caputo, of Belleville, once held the distinction of being the youngest person to ever serve in the state Legislature. He was first elected to the New Jersey General Assembly at the age of 27 in 1967 and served through 1971. He was reelected to the Assembly on November 6, 2007. The 36 year gap between legislative service is the second longest in state history.

Born October 31, 1940, Mr. Caputo received his Bachelor of Arts in social sciences from Bloomfield College; his Graduate Certification (Supervisor) in education from Kean University (then Newark State College); and his Master of Arts in educational administration from Seton Hall University.

Mr. Caputo and his wife, Celeste, have two adult sons: Gregory and Gerard.

Mr. Caputo represents the 28th Legislative District, which includes the Essex County municipalities of Belleville, Bloomfield, Irvington, and a portion of Newark.