Nicole Malliotakis

Nicole Malliotakis – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Explore the life, career, and philosophy of Nicole Malliotakis—U.S. Representative, former New York Assemblywoman, and Republican political figure. Discover her early years, political path, influences, and memorable quotes.

Introduction

Nicole Malliotakis is an American politician who has made a mark as a Republican voice in New York, a state—and especially a city—often dominated by Democrats. Born on November 11, 1980, she currently represents New York’s 11th Congressional District, encompassing Staten Island and parts of southern Brooklyn.

As the only Republican representing a portion of New York City in Congress, Malliotakis balances fiscal conservatism, public safety, and conservative social views with a strong emphasis on government accountability.

Her life—shaped by immigrant roots, shifting political landscapes, and tenacious campaigns—offers insight into the challenges and rewards of public service. In this article, we delve into her background, her political trajectory, her beliefs, and some of her notable remarks.

Early Life and Family

Nicole R. Malliotakis was born in Manhattan, New York City, on November 11, 1980. When she was about two years old, her family relocated to Staten Island, where she grew up in the Great Kills neighborhood.

She comes from a family of immigrants: her father is Greek, and her mother is Cuban, who left Cuba in 1959 after the rise of Fidel Castro. The immigrant experience is part of her identity—she has remarked that she feels “an enormous sense of pride in my heritage” as the child of a Greek immigrant seeking the American Dream.

Raised in the Greek Orthodox faith, she often cites her faith and family values as foundational to her worldview.

Youth and Education

In Staten Island, Malliotakis attended New Dorp High School, where during her senior year she was elected class president. She graduated in 1998.

For higher education, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Seton Hall University in New Jersey. Later, she pursued and obtained an MBA from Wagner College in Staten Island.

Early in her career, she also gained experience working as a community liaison for New York State Senator John Marchi (2003–04) and for then-Governor George Pataki (2004–06). She also worked in public affairs for Consolidated Edison, focusing on energy policy.

These early roles gave her exposure to government operations and constituent outreach, helping to shape her political aspirations.

Career and Achievements

New York State Assembly

In 2010, Malliotakis ran for a seat in the New York State Assembly and defeated the two-term incumbent Janele Hyer-Spencer by about ten percentage points. She became the first Greek-American woman and the first Cuban-American woman elected in New York State, and the first person of Hispanic descent elected from Staten Island.

She served in the Assembly from January 2011 until January 2021, representing first the 60th district (2011–2012) and then the 64th district (2013–2020). During her tenure, she held leadership roles such as Minority Whip and Ranking Minority Member of committees.

During her time in the Assembly, she championed issues including:

• Advocacy for senior centers and preventing closures in Staten Island.

• Pushing back on toll increases and demanding accountability from the Port Authority.

• Hosting public forums on the MTA Payroll Mobility Tax and its impact on small businesses, nonprofits, and schools.

Her efforts to repeal portions of the mobility tax and improve transparency in public agencies gained her a reputation as a reform-minded legislator.

2017 Mayoral Campaign

In April 2017, Malliotakis declared her candidacy for Mayor of New York City as a Republican. She became the Republican nominee after her main rival dropped out.

She ultimately lost to incumbent Democrat Bill de Blasio by a wide margin (roughly 66% to 28%), but she carried Staten Island with strong margins, reflecting her electoral strength in her home borough.

Although she did not win, the campaign raised her profile citywide and demonstrated her willingness to run bold, uphill battles.

U.S. House of Representatives

In 2020, Malliotakis ran for U.S. House of Representatives in New York’s 11th Congressional District, challenging incumbent Democrat Max Rose. She won with about 53% to 47%.

This seat had historically been one of the few in New York City where Republicans could compete, and Malliotakis became the only Republican representing any part of NYC in Congress.

She was re-elected in 2022 with a stronger margin (approximately 62% to 38%) in a rematch with Rose. More recently, she secured a third term in 2024, winning with about 64% of the vote.

In Congress, she has served on important committees including Ways and Means, Transportation & Infrastructure, and Foreign Affairs, as well as the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis.

Notably, in February 2021, she joined bipartisan support to strip Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of her committee assignments due to controversial comments. She also voted in favor of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in November 2021, crossing party lines on the major bipartisan infrastructure bill.

In January 2023, she became the only NYC representative to be appointed to the Ways and Means Committee, and the first Republican from NYC to hold that seat in 30 years.

Her political positions reflect a blend of fiscal conservatism, strong support for law enforcement, opposition to congestion pricing, and skepticism about certain regulatory expansions. She has opposed raising fees on plastic bags and advocates for reductions in bridge tolls, and she has sought to limit property tax increases.

On abortion, she has a mixed profile: while she has voted against taxpayer-funded abortions and opposed late-term abortion legislation, she has also expressed that she does not support a full overturn of Roe v. Wade.

She has also voted in favor of the Respect for Marriage Act, a bill protecting same-sex marriage rights.

Her positions on Donald Trump have varied: she initially said she regretted voting for him in 2016, opting to write in Marco Rubio instead; but in 2020, she endorsed and supported Trump actively. After the 2020 election, she joined other Republicans in objecting to counting certain electoral votes, reflecting alignment with party-led challenges to the outcome.

In May 2025, she came under scrutiny during a televised interview about proposed Republican Medicaid cuts. In a heated exchange, she defended her position and at one point told the host, “Don’t have me on the show!” — a moment widely covered by media.

Historical Milestones & Context

Nicole Malliotakis’ career unfolds against a backdrop of New York’s evolving political dynamics. Historically, New York City has been a bastion of Democratic politics, making her successes as a Republican more notable.

• Firsts & Breaking Barriers: She was the first Greek-American woman and Cuban-American woman elected to state office in New York, and the first Hispanic descent person elected from Staten Island.

• In a shifting electorate: Her district (NY-11) is one of the few in NYC where Republicans remain competitive. Her victories in 2020, 2022, and 2024 highlight her ability to appeal to moderate and cross-party voters.

• Policy crossovers: Her votes on infrastructure and committee assignments reflect a willingness to cross party lines on issues she believes benefit her district.

Her path shows the evolving nature of urban politics and the possibilities for voices outside the dominant party in such a context.

Legacy and Influence

Though still in active service, Malliotakis has already left marks:

• A Republican presence in Democratic turf: Her ability to win and retain a congressional seat in New York City gives her outsized visibility as a Republican in a largely Democratic environment.

• Blend of conservatism and pragmatism: Her legislative record blends party-aligned positions with selective bipartisanship (e.g. infrastructure vote), suggesting a more pragmatic conservative approach.

• Mentorship and visibility: As a woman, daughter of immigrants, and public figure in NYC politics, she serves as an example to aspiring conservative women and immigrant communities seeking public office.

• Shaping debate in NYC issues: On topics like congestion pricing, bridge tolls, and tax relief, she is often a vocal dissenting voice in city- and state-level debates.

Her long-term legacy will depend on whether she can broaden her influence, win in more competitive races, or shape lasting policy changes in her district and beyond.

Personality and Talents

From her public persona and recorded statements, a few traits emerge:

• Resilient and ambitious: Malliotakis has repeatedly taken on tough campaigns (e.g., NYC mayor), signaling a willingness to challenge the status quo.

• Communicator and bridge builder: She emphasizes diplomacy: “I think that it’s important to be diplomatic and disagree respectfully.”

• Rooted in identity: Her immigrant heritage is not peripheral but central to her narrative and motivation.

• Tough on principles: She often frames policy debates in moral or principled terms, especially in areas like law enforcement and fiscal responsibility.

• Opinionated and assertive: Her exchange during the 2025 Medicaid debate shows she is willing to engage forcefully when pressed, even in live interviews.

Her combination of immigrant-rooted identity, communicative abilities, and political toughness gives her a distinctive voice in contemporary American politics.

Famous Quotes of Nicole Malliotakis

Here are several notable quotes that capture aspects of her views, style, and convictions:

• “Elected officials must support our law enforcement officers by giving them the tools and resources they need to do their jobs.”

• “People need to be mindful of the things they say on social media and in groups. All too often we hear terms thrown around as if they have no meaning.”

• “Cuba’s communist regime takes everything for itself while the Cuban people live in squalor.”

• “I think that it’s important to be diplomatic and disagree respectfully.”

• “From handling search and rescue missions, conducting anti-terrorism activities, and ensuring our goods are safely transported in and out of our ports, the men and women of the United States Coast Guard deserve functioning infrastructure.”

• “As the proud daughter of a Greek immigrant who came to the United States in search of the American Dream, I feel an enormous sense of pride in my heritage.”

• “Everyone brings their unique experiences and background and history with them when they come to do this job.”

These statements reflect her emphasis on heritage, public safety, responsible discourse, and duty to infrastructure and institutions.

Lessons from Nicole Malliotakis

From her life and political journey, we can draw several broader lessons:

1. Heritage can be a strength. Instead of downplaying her immigrant roots, Malliotakis embraces them as part of her public identity, using them to connect with constituents authentically.

2. Take risks boldly. Running for mayor in a heavily Democratic city or contesting a challenging congressional seat shows that ambition, when grounded in conviction, can open opportunities.

3. Balance principle and pragmatism. Her willingness to cross party lines on infrastructure, but remain steadfast on law enforcement and fiscal issues, demonstrates a nuanced approach to governance.

4. Voice matters, even as a minority. Representing a minority party in NYC, she leverages visibility, committee roles, and media presence to amplify her positions.

5. Public accountability is central. From demanding transparency in public agencies to pushing for tax relief and sensible regulation, she places government accountability at the heart of her platform.

Conclusion

Nicole Malliotakis stands out as a determined and ambitious figure in modern American politics—a Republican voice thriving in one of the most Democratic urban centers in the country. From her immigrant family background and local roots to her ascent through the state legislature and into Congress, her journey offers insight into how identity, persistence, and principle shape political life.

Her legacy is still unfolding. As she continues her service in the U.S. House, her influence may grow beyond her district, especially if she can further bridge party divides or help redefine Republican presence in urban settings.