Candidate Profile: Nick LaLota Seeks New York's 1st Congressional District

LONG ISLAND, NY — Residents will head to the polls Tuesday for the Aug. 23 U.S. 1st Congressional District Republican primary.

Three candidates face the GOP primary in the district, including Nicholas LaLota. chief of staff for the Suffolk County Legislature, former Amityville trustee and former Republican county election commissioner. Anthony Figliola, former Brookhaven Town Deputy Supervisor; and Michelle Bond, leader of the Association for Digital Asset Markets.

LaLota received the endorsement of the Suffolk County GOP.

The Democratic primary was canceled and Suffolk County Legislator Bridget Fleming is now running unopposed for the congressional seat.

The GOP candidates are vying for the seat vacated by Rep. Lee Zeldin, (R-Shirley), who has led the district since 2015 after defeating former Southampton Town Supervisor Anna Throne-Holst.

Zeldin recently won the GOP primary and will be vying to unseat incumbent Gov. Kathy Hotchul in the November election.

Before the election, Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaign — and the results will be published as candidate profiles in the days leading up to the vote.

Here's Patch's full Q & A with Nick LaLota.

Nick Lalotta

Campaign website

https://www.nicklalota.com/

City or town of residence

Amityville

Office sought

New York's 1st Congressional District

Party membership

Republican/Conservative

Education

Graduate of the United States Naval Academy. Nick is a cum laude graduate of Hofstra University's Zarb School of Business with an MBA. Additionally, Nick holds a Juris Doctor from Hofstra University's Maurice A. Dean School of Law.

Occupation

Chief of Staff for the Suffolk County Republican Legislature. Former Republican commissioner on the Suffolk County Board of Elections.

Family

A husband and father of three daughters, Nick and his wife Kaylie, his high school sweetheart, are raising their children in Amityville. Kaylie is the daughter of Tom and Pam Howard and the granddaughter of the late Lou and Margaret Howard. Many Long Islanders remember Lou as a Hall of Fame football coach and former village mayor, county legislator and state congressman. Kaylie is a physical education teacher at Northport High School and a graduate of Hofstra University.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Age

44

Previous public office, appointed or elected

Former Amityville Village Trustee. Former Republican Commissioner on the Suffolk County Board of Elections. Chief of Staff to the Suffolk County Legislature.

Why are you looking for this office?

My family and I have dedicated our lives to the service of our country and community. After graduating from St. Anthony High School, I attended and graduated from the Naval Academy and served three overseas missions. Now, I want to continue my service by fighting for other Suffolk County residents in Washington.

What are the main differences between you and other candidates seeking this position?

I am the only candidate in this race who has never been a Democrat. I am the only candidate in this race who has never been a lobbyist. I am the only candidate in this race who has served our country in the military. I am the only candidate in this race with a proven track record of cutting taxes and investigating fraud in our elections.

If you are challenging an incumbent, how has the incumbent failed the community?

It does not challenge an establishment

What other issues do you plan to address during your campaign?

Election integrity, health care reform, inflation and our economy, lowering taxes, supporting law enforcement, unconstitutional mandates, our national debt, protecting life, protecting our second amendment rights, improving our local infrastructure, advocacy of China, defense of Israel, and a smarter and stronger American foreign policy.

What past accomplishments would you cite as proof that you can handle this job?

My service in our military, my service to our Suffolk County community as Commissioner of Elections and Chief of Staff to the Legislature, and my first-hand experience with the issues facing Long Island families as I raise my young family in Suffolk County.

What is the best advice someone has ever given you?

Do the right thing, even when no one is looking.

Is there anything else you'd like voters to know about you and your positions?

My grandfather was a cop, my father was a police officer, and I served in the United States Navy. My wife is a teacher and my family is always devoted to service.

Suffolk County communities in the 1st District include the East End — East Hampton Town, Southampton Town, Westhampton, Hampton Bays, the North Fork, Shelter Island and Riverhead — and parts of Brookhaven Town such as Manorville, Ridge, Rocky Point, Port Jefferson, Coram , Brookhaven, Bellport, Mastic-Shirley, Smithtown, Lake Ronkonkoma and Patchogue.