Rep. Paul Costa brings substantial public service experience to the House. He served on the Wilkins Township board of commissioners for three years, including one year as board president, and worked for more than 20 years in the Allegheny County prothonotary's office, ending his service as the deputy in charge of the family division.

He is vice chairman of the Wilkins Township Democratic Committee. He is a member of the parish council of St. Colman Catholic Church, Turtle Creek. Costa, a 1978 graduate of Taylor Allderdice High School, holds an associate's degree from the Community College of Allegheny County, graduated with honors in accounting from Point Park College, and attended the Allegheny County Local Government Academy.

He is married to the former Kathleen Gallant. They have three children, Michael, Maria and Dante. He is one of six children of Louise Costa and the late Jay Costa Sr., who was Allegheny County treasurer. He is the brother of state Sen. Jay Costa Jr.