Joe Nicola is an American politician serving as a member of theMissouri Senate for the 11th district, representing part ofJackson County, includingIndependence,Sugar Creek andGrain Valley.
Nicola served in theUS Navy from 1984-1990. He previously operated aKansas City motorcycle shop named Vision Cycles. He worked atBlue Springs School District from 1999-2017. He has volunteered for Youth Friends Organization in Independence,Habitat for Humanity,The Salvation Army, City Union Mission, andIndependence Public School District. He lives in Grain Valley with his partner.[1]
Nicola was a youth pastor from 1990-1999.[1]
In 1999, Nicola founded thenon-denominational organization New Covenant Ministries in Independence. His teachings align withNew Apostolic Reformation andChristian nationalism, including claims that Jesus intended to build a "world-reaching government of Heaven," describing theseparation of church and state as a misnomer, and references toglobalist conspiracy theories.[2]
In 2022, Nicola ran againstMike Cierpiot, who he described as the "worst Republican in our area."[3] Following redistricting, Nicola ran for the senate seat vacated by term-limitedJohn Rizzo and defeated challengerRobert Sauls.[4] Nicola garnered controversy when New Covenant Ministries donated to his election PAC. Nicola argued the donations are legal as the organization is not registered with theIRS as anonprofit, however it has been registered as a nonprofit with the state and exempt from taxes since its founding.[2] He swore into office in January 2025.[1]
In March 2025, Nicola conducted a two hourfilibuster against a bill to subsidize the redevelopment of commercial buildings in downtown St. Louis, alleging that it would advance aglobalist plot.[5]