Paul is a proud progressive Democrat, born and raised in northern Michigan in a union household. 

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Earning both his B.A. and M.B.A. from the University of Michigan, Paul received his J.D. from Wayne State University and began his career as an attorney and law clerk to Federal Judge John O'Meara. He then joined the Granholm administration serving as Vice President of Capital Markets at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation where he was focused on increasing the availability of capital to small businesses in Michigan. Paul was also appointed by President Joe Biden to serve on the US Treasury's Small Business Administration Lending Advisory Council.

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Paul brought his real-world experience into the classroom, teaching finance and entrepreneurship at the University of Michigan College of Engineering as a member of the Lecturers’ Employee Organization (LEO) union.

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Beyond his public service, Paul remains active in Michigan’s civic and philanthropic communities. He has served on the boards of several nonprofit organizations focused on education, history, youth programs, and economic development, including the League of Conservation Voters, the Michigan History Foundation, the Youth Foundation of America, and the Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan New Economy Initiative advisory board.

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First elected to the Board of Regents in 2018, Paul has been a leading voice for affordability and access to education and healthcare - fighting to support students, patients, and workers in Michigan.

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Paul lives in Ann Arbor with his wife, Nicole, an Emmy nominated actress from Livonia, and their two school-aged children.