Clifton earned a bachelor's degree from Rider College in 1991 and a master's from the University of Richmond in 1998, both in political science. He has worked as the director of government and community affairs for Comcast Cable Corporation since 2001. Previously, he was director of industry relations for the N.J. Pavement and Asphalt Association and worked for the state Department of Labor. He was a Monmouth County freeholder from 2005 to 2011, serving as director in 2011, and mayor of Matawan from 1996 to 2005.

A life-long resident of Matawan, Clifton and his wife have two sons.