Nicole Malliotakis

Nicole Malliotakis is an American politician currently serving as the U.S. Representative for New York's 11th congressional district, which encompasses Staten Island and a portion of southern Brooklyn. A member of the Republican Party, she has been in office since her first election in 2020 and is set to serve until January 3, 2027. Malliotakis has a background in state politics, having previously served in the New York State Assembly, where she was the first Greek-American and Cuban-American woman elected to office in New York State.

Early life and career

Nicole Malliotakis was born on November 11, 1980, in Manhattan, New York City. At the age of two, she relocated to Staten Island, where she grew up in the neighborhood of Great Kills. Her family background is diverse; her father emigrated from Greece, while her mother fled Cuba in 1959 following the rise of Fidel Castro. Raised in the Greek Orthodox faith, Malliotakis was baptized into the church, which played a significant role in her upbringing.

Malliotakis attended New Dorp High School on Staten Island, graduating in 1998. During her senior year, she was elected class president, showcasing her early leadership abilities. Following high school, she pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Arts in communications from Seton Hall University in 2001. She later obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Wagner College in 2010.

In the early stages of her career, Malliotakis worked as a community liaison for state senator John Marchi from 2003 to 2004, and subsequently for Governor George Pataki from 2004 to 2006. She also served as the public affairs manager for Consolidated Edison Company of New York, where she focused on state energy policy. In November 2015, she was appointed as the New York chair for U.S. Senator Marco Rubio's presidential campaign in 2016, further establishing her presence in the political arena.

House tenure

Malliotakis's political career in the New York State Assembly began in 2010 when she won election to represent the 60th District. She defeated the two-term Democratic incumbent Janele Hyer-Spencer by a margin of 10 percentage points. Her election marked a significant milestone, as she became the first Greek-American woman and the first Cuban-American woman to hold office in New York State. Additionally, she was the first individual of Hispanic descent elected from Staten Island. By January 2018, she was one of only two Republicans representing New York City in the Assembly.

During her time in the Assembly, Malliotakis focused on various issues, particularly those affecting her constituents. She made elder rights a priority, successfully advocating to keep a senior center in Staten Island open. She also held forums addressing the MTA Payroll Mobility Tax, which she argued negatively impacted small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and private schools. Her efforts contributed to significant legislative changes regarding the tax.

In 2017, Malliotakis ran for mayor of New York City, securing the Republican nomination unopposed after her primary opponent withdrew. However, she was defeated in the general election by the incumbent Democratic mayor, Bill de Blasio.

In 2020, Malliotakis transitioned to federal politics, running for the U.S. House of Representatives in New York's 11th congressional district. She faced incumbent Democrat Max Rose in a competitive race, which was considered the only potentially competitive House race in New York City that year. The district is known for its conservative leanings, having been held by the Republican Party for most of the previous decades. Malliotakis received the endorsement of then-President Donald Trump, which she publicly embraced. On election day, she declared victory after taking a commanding lead, and Rose conceded days later. Malliotakis won the election with 53% of the vote.

In 2022, she sought re-election against Rose in a rematch of their previous contest. Malliotakis again emerged victorious, securing 62% of the vote to Rose's 38%. Her success in these elections has solidified her position as a prominent Republican figure in New York City, where she is currently the only Republican representative in Congress.

Legislative focus and committees

Throughout her tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives, Malliotakis has focused on various legislative priorities that reflect the interests and needs of her constituents in New York's 11th district. Her work has often centered around issues such as public safety, economic development, and support for small businesses. She has also been an advocate for policies that benefit seniors and families, aligning with her previous focus during her time in the New York State Assembly.

Malliotakis serves on several committees in the House, where she plays a role in shaping legislation and addressing key issues. Her committee assignments allow her to engage with a range of topics, from fiscal policy to community development, and to contribute to discussions that impact her district and the broader national landscape.

As a member of the Republican Party, Malliotakis has aligned herself with party leadership on various issues, often emphasizing conservative principles in her legislative approach. Her background in state politics and her experience in the Assembly have informed her work in Congress, where she continues to advocate for her constituents and represent their interests at the federal level.

Malliotakis's ongoing service in the U.S. House of Representatives reflects her commitment to public service and her engagement with the political process. As she approaches the end of her current term in January 2027, she remains a significant figure in New York politics, particularly within the context of her party's representation in the city.