Candidate Profile: Nick LaLota For NY's 1st Congressional District

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5 and GOP incumbent Nick LaLota and challenger John Avlon, a Democrat, are waging a fierce race to win the New York State 1st Congressional District seat.

After redistricting, New York's 1st Congressional District includes both the North and South Forks, Riverhead, the northern part of Brookhaven Town, all of Smithtown and all of Huntington.
In anticipation of the election, Patch asked candidates in the contested races to answer questions about their campaigns.

Here are their answers, lightly edited for clarity.

Name

Nick LaLota

Campaign website

NickLaLota.com

City or town of residence

Amityville, NY

Office sought

U.S. House of Representatives, New York's 1st District

Party affiliation

Republican, Conservative

Education

St. Anthony’s High School (℅ 1996), U.S. Naval Academy B.S. (℅ 2000), Hofstra University MBA (℅ 2012), Hofstra University JD (℅ 2020)

Occupation

Member of Congress, Navy Veteran, former Suffolk County Elections Commissioner, former Chief of Staff for Suffolk County Legislature

Family

Wife Kaylie. Three daughters ages 15, 13 and 10.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Age

46

Previous public office, appointive or elective

Suffolk County Elections Commissioner (2015-2021), Amityville Trustee (2013-2019)

Why are you seeking this office?

I am running for re-election to Congress because New York’s First District needs a fighter who can secure the border, fight inflation, demonstrate independence from his party, and always put Long Island first. I’m committed to delivering real results for Long Island families, strengthening our national security, and ensuring government works for the people. As a Navy veteran and lifelong Long Islander, I’ve dedicated my life to keeping our communities safe, and I’ll continue to fight for a strong military, secure borders, and a stronger economy. I’m focused on lowering taxes, creating good-paying jobs, and securing critical funding for our communities — building upon the $150 million I secured in my first term. Long Islanders deserve a representative who prioritizes results over rhetoric and people over politics, and that’s exactly what I’ll continue to do in Washington."

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

The major differences between me and John Avlon are clear. While John Avlon may be backed by wealthy Manhattan donors and focus on national media appearances, I’m committed to representing the real needs of Long Islanders. As a Navy veteran and lifelong Long Islander, I’ve proven my dedication to securing our borders, supporting our local economy, and easing the tax burden with more SALT relief. Unlike Avlon, I have a record of delivering results — securing over $150 million in funding for our district, passing legislation like the No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act, and holding my own party accountable when it’s right for our community. I believe Long Islanders deserve a representative who will always put our district first, not someone whose priorities are shaped by Manhattan’s elite.

What is your position on reproductive rights?

I am the husband to a strong and independent woman, and my position on abortion is clear: I do not support a federal abortion ban. Like 80 percent of Americans, I do not oppose abortion in the first trimester, or in cases of rape, incest, or when the mother's life is at risk. However, I recognize that this is now a matter for the states to decide.

Consistent with that, I was one of only 12 House Republicans in 2023 to block my party’s agriculture spending bill because it would have banned the abortion pill mifepristone from being mailed and dispensed at retail pharmacies. The federal government should not impose such restrictions.

I also believe that New York’s current laws, allowing abortions up until the moment of birth and not requiring parental notification for minors, go too far. As a father of three daughters, I strongly support parental notification and involvement in such important decisions.

Additionally, I oppose any threats to In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) access and will continue to champion protections for families relying on IVF to build their families.

It’s time to move away from the extremes in this debate. I hope state lawmakers can develop balanced, common-sense policies that respect women’s autonomy while ensuring parental rights are protected.

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

Lowering costs and improving affordability are critical to helping Long Island families thrive, and I’m committed to delivering real relief from high taxes and rising expenses. That means fighting for more SALT relief, supporting local businesses, and ensuring our economy grows in a way that benefits everyone. Securing the border is essential to keeping our communities safe, especially from dangerous drugs like fentanyl and criminal activity. I’ll continue to push for strong border security measures that protect our families.

I’m also dedicated to preserving Long Island’s natural beauty and resources — protecting the Pine Barrens, preserving Plum Island, and ensuring the Long Island Sound remains a vibrant and healthy ecosystem for future generations. And keeping our families safe is always my top priority, whether it’s supporting our law enforcement officers or making sure we have the resources to respond swiftly and effectively to natural disasters. I’ll keep fighting for these priorities to ensure a safer, more prosperous future for Long Island.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

In my first term in Congress, I passed more bills than 95 percent of Congress, including bipartisan legislation to combat the fentanyl crisis, support veterans, and reauthorize programs like the Long Island Sound Program — all with bipartisan support. I’ve delivered over $150 million in critical infrastructure funding, secured support for Brookhaven National Laboratory, and fought to protect Long Island’s environment. My experience as a Navy officer, leading teams in high-pressure situations, equipped me to tackle complex challenges, negotiate effectively, and make tough decisions. As a lifelong Long Islander, I understand the unique issues our community faces, and I’ve been committed to addressing them every day in office. Before Congress, I served as a public employee, where I learned how to navigate government systems to deliver real results for the people I represent."

What problems facing your district would you look to solve if you are re-elected?

Affordability is one of the biggest challenges facing Suffolk County, where high taxes and the rising cost of living burden families. That’s why I’ve worked to restore the full SALT deduction, which would bring much-needed tax relief to Long Islanders. I’m also committed to addressing inflation by supporting policies that control government spending and reduce costs for everyday goods. Increasing domestic energy production is another priority of mine, to lower energy bills and ensure families aren’t priced out of their homes, especially in high-cost areas like Suffolk County. While there are many more issues I would like to tackle in another term, one of the most important is the border crisis. Unfortunately, due to the leadership of President Biden and Vice President Harris, every state has become a border state and we are seeing record numbers of migrants in the New York metropolitan area.

Cancer is a prominent health issue for Long Islanders and is a leading cause of death for children. What measures would you take to help lower cancer rates and bolster research in the field?

Cancer is a serious issue for Long Islanders, and I believe we need solutions that prioritize innovation and personal choice. I will continue to push for increased funding for cancer research through public-private partnerships, ensuring that cutting-edge treatments and cures can be developed. I have successfully supported efforts to fund critical cancer research programs during the Appropriations process and I cosponsor several bills in Congress like the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act and Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act. Protecting Long Island’s environment is also key, and I support common-sense regulations that prevent harmful pollution while balancing the needs of our economy. Additionally, expanding access to early screenings through market-driven healthcare reforms would empower individuals to detect and treat cancer early, without relying on burdensome government mandates.

What would you do to help small businesses struggling with inflation and the cost of goods needed to manufacture their products?

To help small businesses struggling with inflation and the rising cost of goods, I’ve already secured the passage of four bills I sponsored aimed at providing relief and new opportunities. The Women-Owned Small Business Certification and Opportunity Expansion Act, the Service-Disabled Veteran Opportunities in Small Business Act, the Plain Language in Contracting Act, and the DOE and SBA Research Act are all designed to reduce red tape, expand market access, and offer new funding for small businesses right here on Long Island. Moving forward, I’ll continue to fight for lower taxes and fewer regulations, giving small businesses the breathing room they need to grow. By increasing domestic energy production and reducing supply chain bottlenecks, we can also help lower the costs of goods and make it easier for small businesses to compete.

Water quality is critical to the region. What plans do you have to help improve water quality and keep it safe for generations?

Clean water is essential for Long Island’s health and future, and I’ve made it a top priority by securing nearly $10 million in federal funding to improve our water quality systems, ensuring safer drinking water for our families. Looking ahead, I’ll continue to secure funding for infrastructure improvements and push for policies that focus on restoring our aquifers and protecting our vital waterways. While the FY25 appropriations process is still ongoing, we have several projects in the pipeline that would fund critical water infrastructure in Suffolk County.

I also support advancing water treatment technologies to address emerging contaminants like PFAS, which pose serious risks to public health. By partnering with local governments and environmental experts, we can stay ahead of these challenges and ensure that Long Island’s water remains clean, safe, and sustainable for future generations. My commitment is to keep fighting for the resources and solutions needed to protect our water and safeguard Long Island’s natural heritage."

How can the immigration crisis be addressed at the federal and local levels? Can federal and local officials work together?

The immigration crisis requires a coordinated effort between federal and local officials, with a clear focus on securing our borders, enforcing existing laws, and ensuring that communities are protected. At the federal level, we must prioritize stronger border security, finish building the wall, and make sure that illegal immigration is met with firm consequences, not rewards. The House of Representatives has led the way in this effort, being the only legislative body to pass meaningful border legislation this Congress.

Recognizing the burden that the border crisis places on local communities, I sponsored the No Bailouts for Sanctuary Cities Act, which passed with bipartisan support. This legislation encourages local governments to reverse sanctuary city policies that have worsened the migrant crisis. Additionally, we need to reform our asylum system to prevent abuse, ensuring that those who follow the legal process are prioritized.

Locally, officials can play a key role by collaborating with federal agencies to manage the strain on resources, particularly in sanctuary cities, and by supporting policies that prioritize community safety. Local law enforcement should focus on keeping communities safe, rather than being tasked with enforcing federal immigration laws— something that requires federal support. By working together, federal and local officials can secure our borders, restore the rule of law, and protect both national and community interests, ensuring that the needs of our citizens come first.

What can be done about inflation, which some say can be attributed to price gouging?

Inflation is largely a result of reckless government spending and policies that have disrupted our economy, and addressing it requires a combination of fiscal responsibility and smart policy changes. We need to reduce government spending, cut waste, and make sure taxpayer dollars are used wisely, focusing on what truly benefits American families. At the same time, encouraging more competition in the marketplace is key—when businesses compete, prices come down, and consumers have more options.

Expanding American energy production is also essential. By taking an all-of-the-above approach, we can bring down energy costs, reduce our reliance on foreign adversaries, and ensure our energy needs are met right here at home. Lower energy costs mean lower prices across the board, from gas at the pump to heating bills in winter.

We also need to stand up to countries that exploit American consumers with unfair trade practices. Prioritizing American industry and holding bad actors accountable is critical to restoring economic stability. By reducing wasteful spending, increasing competition, expanding energy production, and enforcing fair trade, we can bring prices down and provide relief for hardworking families facing rising costs.

The median cost of renting on Long Island falls between $2,000 and $3,100. How can more affordable housing options be created?:

First, at the root of Long Island’s affordability problem is New York State’s sky-high effective tax rate — between income, property, and sales taxes — driven by the reckless spending habits of our 'sanctuary' state government. This includes funding for hotels, lawyers, healthcare, and other services for illegal migrants. With such heavy cost burdens, it’s no wonder rents are rising. Many homeowners, facing steep property taxes, try to offset their expenses by renting out part of their homes, which further drives up rental prices. That’s why I’ve supported bills in Congress, like the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2023, aimed at strengthening and expanding affordable housing programs.

Second, I believe that affordable housing requires strong infrastructure in place to support both current residents and new developments. Without safe roads, clean water, and modern infrastructure, our quality of life will suffer. That’s why I’m proud to have delivered over $150 million in critical infrastructure funding, ensuring that Long Islanders’ federal tax dollars are invested right back into our local needs.

Finally, I believe in local control over zoning decisions. Towns and villages are best positioned to determine their own development needs, and I do not support a top-down approach where the federal or state government dictates what’s best for our communities. Residents elect their local officials to represent their views on development, and that accountability should remain at the local level. My focus is on empowering local communities to make decisions that suit their needs while providing the support to make affordable housing a reality."

What is your stance on SALT (State and Local Tax Relief)?

I’ve been a staunch advocate for restoring the SALT deduction, which is essential for Long Islanders who are unfairly burdened by high state and local taxes. The SALT cap has hit families in high-tax states like New York the hardest, and lifting it is crucial to providing relief. In my efforts to remove this cap, I’ve faced strong opposition from Democrats who had full control of the government for two years before I entered Congress and failed to deliver on their promise of SALT relief. Their inability to act shows a lack of commitment to the financial well-being of middle-class families in our region.

I remain determined to fight for SALT relief because I believe Long Islanders shouldn’t be penalized for living in a state that invests in critical services like education, healthcare, and infrastructure. My focus is on ensuring that hardworking families can keep more of their earnings and that our tax code is fair to those who call Long Island home. I’ll continue to push for policies that prioritize our communities and provide the tax relief we deserve."

What needs to be done to keep Long Island streets safe from crime?

To keep Long Island streets safe, we need a serious overhaul of failed policies like cashless bail, raise the age, clean slate, and discovery reform. These misguided laws have allowed dangerous criminals to walk free, often within hours of committing a crime, with minimal accountability for repeat offenders. Cashless bail has created a revolving door for violent offenders, while the raise the age policy has enabled older juveniles to avoid meaningful consequences for serious crimes. Clean slate laws go too far in erasing criminal records, making it harder for law enforcement to keep track of dangerous individuals. Discovery reform has overwhelmed our prosecutors, forcing them to work with limited resources while giving criminals advantages they shouldn’t have.

Additionally, we’re facing a new wave of threats, including gangs like Tren de Aragua that have entered New York City through recent migrant waves, threatening to expand into our communities. These gangs engage in brutal criminal activities, posing a real danger to Long Island’s safety and stability. That’s why I’ve introduced the Tren de Aragua Southwest Border Security Threat Assessment Act, aimed at strengthening our ability to understand and combat cross-border criminal threats. I’m also championing the Keep Our Streets Safe Act of 2024 and the SERVE Our Communities Act to hold violent criminals accountable, streamline our justice system, and provide more resources for law enforcement.

The safety of Long Island families is my top priority, and I’ll continue to push for policies that put the needs of law-abiding citizens ahead of the interests of repeat offenders and violent gangs. We need to restore accountability in our justice system and ensure that our communities remain safe, secure, and vibrant.

The DWI/DWAI rate is escalating island-wide. What measures can you fight for, to address the escalating addiction crisis?

The rising rates of DWI and DWAI incidents on Long Island are deeply concerning, and they highlight the broader addiction crisis impacting our communities. I’m committed to making sure our law enforcement officers have the resources they need to keep impaired drivers off our roads, including funding for advanced breathalyzers, enhanced drug detection training, and access to technology that can quickly identify impairment. Empowering our police to act swiftly is critical to preventing tragedies before they happen.

Addressing the addiction crisis itself requires a comprehensive approach. That’s why I’ve championed H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act, to tackle the fentanyl crisis by cutting off the flow of this deadly drug at its source. Through the HALT Fentanyl Act, we’re imposing tougher penalties on fentanyl traffickers and expanding our ability to remove these substances from our streets. Additionally, I introduced and passed the DETECT Fentanyl and Xylazine Act in the House, which helps law enforcement and health agencies identify and track these dangerous drugs more effectively.

Recognizing that addiction often coexists with mental health challenges, I also introduced a resolution to designate April as 'Co-Occurring Disorders Awareness Month.' By raising awareness, we can create better support systems and solutions for those struggling with both addiction and mental health issues. Keeping our roads safe and providing real solutions to the addiction crisis is a priority, and I’m committed to fighting for Long Island on every front.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

The best advice I ever received came from my father, who would always remind my brother and me: 'Believe none of what you hear and half of what you see.' It’s a lesson that’s stuck with me throughout my life and has been especially valuable in my time in public service. In politics and in life, it’s easy to get caught up in rumors, assumptions, and surface-level impressions. But my father’s advice taught me the importance of digging deeper, asking tough questions, and not taking things at face value. It’s about being thoughtful, doing your own research, and trusting facts over hearsay. This perspective has helped me remain grounded, focused on the truth, and committed to making informed decisions for the people I represent. Whether it’s evaluating policy, listening to my constituents, or holding others accountable, I always strive to cut through the noise and get to the heart of the matter.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I’m a lifelong Long Islander who understands the challenges our community faces. Growing up through financial struggles and my parents’ divorce, I learned the value of hard work and the importance of education, which have shaped my approach to public service. As a Navy veteran and public servant, I’m committed to fighting for lower taxes, stronger national security, and better opportunities for families. My work in Congress has already secured key victories for Long Island, including funding for water quality improvements and legislation to support small businesses, and I’ll keep fighting to make life better for our community.