Nick LaLota | |
|---|---|
 Official portrait, 2022 | |
| Member of theU.S. House of Representatives fromNew York's1st district | |
| Assumed office January 3, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Lee Zeldin |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Nicholas Joseph LaLota (1978-06-23)June 23, 1978 (age 47) Bay Shore, New York, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Kaylie |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | United States Naval Academy (BS) Hofstra University (MBA,JD) |
| Signature |  |
| Website | House website Campaign website |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | United States Navy |
| Years of service | 2000–2007 |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Unit | Surface Warfare Officer |
Nicholas Joseph LaLota (/ləˈloʊtə/lə-LOH-tə; born June 23, 1978) is an American politician and veteran serving since 2023 as theU.S. representative forNew York's 1st congressional district. He is a member of theRepublican Party.
LaLota was born on June 23, 1978, and is fromBay Shore, New York.[1] He graduated fromSt. Anthony's High School and, in 2000, from theUnited States Naval Academy. He served in theU.S. Navy for eight years, serving three overseas deployments.[2] He earned aMaster of Business Administration and aJuris Doctor fromHofstra University.[3] LaLota served as chief of staff to Suffolk County presiding officer Kevin McCaffrey. He also served on the Suffolk Board of Elections as well as a trustee for the village ofAmityville, New York.[4]
LaLota ran for the United States House of Representatives in the first congressional district of New York to succeed Lee Zeldin, who ran forgovernor of New York.[5] He won the general election on November 8 by defeating the Democratic nominee Bridget Fleming.[6]
On December 27, 2022, LaLota became one of the first Republicans to call for a full House Ethics Committee investigation into the false claims made by his fellow Long Island Republican, representative-electGeorge Santos. "New Yorkers deserve the truth and House Republicans deserve an opportunity to govern without this distraction", LaLota said.[7] On March 7, 2024, during PresidentJoe Biden'sState of the Union address, Santos posted on social media that he planned to run against LaLota in the 2024 Republican primary.[8]
LaLota sought reelection in 2024. He defeated Democratic nomineeJohn Avlon.[9]
LaLota was sworn in on January 7, 2023.[10]
LaLota was one of six Republicans to sign a bipartisan letter spearheaded by centrist House Representatives in which they pledged to respect the results of the2024 presidential election.[11]
For the119th Congress:[12]
LaLota married his high school sweetheart, Kaylie, who is a teacher atNorthport High School. They have three daughters. LaLota resides inAmityville, New York.[18]
| U.S. House of Representatives | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Member of theU.S. House of Representatives fromNew York's 1st congressional district 2023–present | Incumbent |
| U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial) | ||
| Preceded by | United States representatives by seniority 331st | Succeeded by |