John Armato graduated from high school and served in the United States Air Force before working as an HVAC mechanic. He then spent several years on the Township Committee of Buena Vista Township. Armato was elected to the New Jersey Assembly in 2017, where he focused on committees related to commerce, economic development, health, and veterans' affairs. He introduced several pieces of legislation aimed at veterans' benefits, public safety, and public health, particularly addressing the opioid crisis. Armato was reelected to the Assembly in 2019.

John Armato's legislative initiatives reveal a nuanced approach that blends traditional conservative values with progressive public health measures. His push for property tax exemptions for disabled veterans (ACR48) and parking privileges for volunteer firefighters (A2692) reflects a strong commitment to local service and veteran welfare. Conversely, Armato's support for mandatory opioid overdose medication prescriptions (A3869) demonstrates a surprising alignment with public health advocacy, suggesting a willingness to transcend typical partisan divides. This unexpected convergence of policy stances hints at a strategic, ideologically agile politician.