Nicolaus Sleister
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Nicolaus Sleister (Democratic Party) is running for election to the U.S. House to represent Virginia's 2nd Congressional District. He declared candidacy for the 2026 election.
Sleister completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Nicolaus Sleister was born in Olathe, Kansas. He graduated from Gardner Edgerton High School. He earned his medical assistant certification from Pinnacle Career Institute in 2010. He also earned a certificate in homeland security and emergency management from Pierce College in 2020. His career experience includes working in the corporate security sector and as a project manager.[1][2][3]
Elections
2026
See also: Virginia's 2nd Congressional District election, 2026
Note: At this time, Ballotpedia is combining all declared candidates for this election into one list under a general election heading. As primary election dates are published, this information will be updated to separate general election candidates from primary candidates as appropriate.
General election
The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.
Endorsements
Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.
2022
See also: United States Senate election in Washington, 2022
General election
Nonpartisan primary election
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
2026
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Nicolaus Sleister completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Sleister's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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Nicolaus Sleister is a proud military spouse, parent, and advocate for working families and equal opportunity. After moving across the country with his husband’s military career, Nicolaus and his family chose Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District as their permanent home—drawn by its strong sense of community, diversity, and military tradition.
With a career in security management and public service, Nicolaus has protected critical infrastructure, led safety operations, and worked to keep people safe. He understands the challenges families face every day—accessing affordable healthcare, securing good jobs, and finding support for military families and veterans.
As a member of a multi-racial, middle-class family and the LGBTQ+ community, Nicolaus is deeply committed to fairness, transparency, and service. He’s running for Congress to fight for affordable healthcare, protect Social Security and Medicare, strengthen small businesses and farms, and defend the rights of all Americans. He believes in working together to build a stronger, fairer future.
Nicolaus lives in Suffolk, Virginia, with his husband, an active-duty soldier, and their son, Kaden. - Nicolaus is committed to delivering real results for working families—fighting for affordable healthcare, protecting Social Security and Medicare, lowering costs, and ensuring good-paying jobs. As a military spouse and middle-class parent, he knows firsthand the struggles families face and will always put people over politics.
- As the spouse of an active-duty soldier, Nicolaus understands the unique challenges military families and veterans face. He’s dedicated to strengthening VA services, improving housing, expanding healthcare access, and ensuring military families get the respect, resources, and opportunities they deserve.
- Nicolaus believes every American deserves equal rights and freedom from government overreach. He’s committed to protecting reproductive freedom, voting rights, LGBTQ+ equality, and civil liberties—fighting back against extremist efforts that threaten our democracy and personal freedoms.
I’m passionate about strengthening national security, defending civil rights, and supporting military members, veterans, and their families. As a military spouse, I understand the need for strong defense and robust support systems. I’m also committed to driving economic development, expanding opportunities for working families, and ensuring fair, humane immigration policies. My focus is on building a safer, stronger, and more inclusive America—where every person has the opportunity to succeed and every community can thrive.
I look up to my husband first and foremost. His dedication to serving our country, his selflessness, and his commitment to staying true to his values inspire me every day. Watching him navigate the challenges of military service with strength and integrity has shown me what true leadership and sacrifice look like. I also deeply admire my late grandmother. Her unwavering dedication to hard work, her deep faith, and her ability to face life’s challenges with grace left a lasting impact on me. Both of them have shaped my understanding of service, resilience, and the importance of staying grounded in your principles no matter what life brings.
One book I often recommend is The People’s House by David Pepper. While it’s a political thriller, it captures the real-world consequences of gerrymandering, voter suppression, and the erosion of democratic norms, issues I’m deeply concerned about. It reminds us that democracy is fragile and must be protected through active engagement and fair representation.
I believe the most important characteristics for an elected official are integrity, accountability, transparency, and a genuine commitment to public service. Elected leaders have a responsibility to serve the people—not special interests or political insiders—and that requires honesty and a willingness to be held accountable for every decision. Integrity means doing what’s right, even when it’s not politically convenient, and always putting the needs of the community first.
Transparency is equally vital. Voters deserve to know where their representatives stand, how decisions are made, and how policies will impact their lives. Leaders should welcome tough questions and engage openly with constituents—whether through town halls, forums, or everyday conversations.
An effective elected official must also be empathetic and responsive, understanding the real challenges people face and working to find practical solutions. This requires listening to diverse perspectives, respecting different lived experiences, and being willing to adapt when needed.
Finally, a commitment to justice, fairness, and equality must guide every action. That means protecting civil rights, defending democratic institutions, and working to ensure every person—regardless of race, gender, income, or background—has an equal opportunity to succeed.
In short, elected leaders must remember that public office is not about power—it’s about service. I strive every day to embody these principles, and I believe our democracy is strongest when our leaders live by them. I believe my strongest qualities are integrity, resilience, and a deep commitment to service. As a military spouse, I’ve learned how to adapt quickly, stay calm under pressure, and face challenges head-on. I am a good listener and take pride in being approachable and empathetic, which I believe are essential for truly representing a community. I am also fiercely determined. Whether it’s advocating for military families, navigating difficult systems, or standing up for what’s right, I don’t give up easily. Most importantly, I am driven by a genuine desire to make life better for others, and I would bring that same dedication and work ethic to public office every single day.
To me, the core responsibilities of a member of Congress are deeply rooted in service, accountability, and trust. First and foremost, it’s about being the voice of the people, listening to my constituents, understanding their challenges and hopes, and making sure their needs are at the center of every decision I make. Representation isn’t just about showing up to vote; it’s about being present in the community, staying connected, and fighting for real solutions that improve people’s lives.
Crafting and voting on legislation is a huge part of the job, but it’s not just about passing bills, it’s about making thoughtful, informed choices that reflect the values and best interests of the district. I believe strongly in protecting our rights and freedoms, ensuring national security, strengthening the economy, and supporting military families and veterans, because these issues aren’t abstract to me; they are personal.
Another core responsibility is oversight, making sure our government is transparent, accountable, and working efficiently for the people. That means keeping a close eye on how taxpayer dollars are spent and making sure programs like Social Security, Medicare, and veterans’ services are delivering on their promises.
Finally, I believe constituent service is one of the most important parts of this job. Whether it’s helping a veteran access benefits, assisting a family with immigration paperwork, or cutting through red tape for a small business, I see it as my duty to be a resource and advocate every step of the way.
At its core, this job is about trust, and I would work every day to earn and keep the trust of the people I serve. I want my legacy to be one of service, integrity, and lasting impact. I hope to be remembered as someone who stood up for everyday people, especially those whose voices are too often overlooked—military families, working-class communities, and marginalized groups. I want to leave behind a legacy of meaningful change that made life better for the next generation, whether through stronger protections for veterans, expanded access to healthcare, or policies that made our economy fairer and more inclusive. Above all, I want people to say that I led with honesty, compassion, and a true commitment to putting people first.
The first historical event I remember from my lifetime is 9/11. I was in fourth grade at the time, and I vividly recall hiding in our classroom as the teachers tried to keep us calm. When my parents finally picked me up, I remember the long lines at the gas station and the overwhelming sense of confusion and fear. I didn’t fully understand what was happening, but I knew the world had changed that day. It’s a memory that has stayed with me and shaped my understanding of national security, resilience, and the importance of coming together as a country in times of crisis.
My first job was at Subway when I was 15 years old. I worked there for a little over a year, and it taught me early lessons about hard work, responsibility, and the value of every job, no matter how big or small.
My favorite book is Ragweed by Avi. I first read it when I was young, and it really stuck with me because of its themes of adventure, bravery, and finding your place in the world. It’s a story that taught me early on about resilience and the importance of standing up for what you believe in, no matter how small you may feel.
If I could be any fictional character, I would choose Batman. I’ve always admired his commitment to justice, his determination to protect his community, and the way he uses his skills and resources to make a real difference. He proves that you don’t need superpowers to stand up for what’s right—you just need courage, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose.
Love the way you lie by Eminem and Rihanna
One of the biggest struggles in my life has been the challenge of finding stability and meaningful employment as a military spouse. Frequent relocations, long periods of separation during my husband’s missions, and the constant need to rebuild in new places have made it difficult to establish long-term roots in a career. I’ve faced the frustration of starting over again and again, often in jobs below my qualifications, just to support my family. While it has not been easy, this experience has strengthened my resilience and deepened my understanding of the sacrifices military families make and the gaps that exist in support systems. It has also shaped my commitment to fighting for stronger protections and opportunities for military families and working people everywhere.
What makes the U.S. House of Representatives unique, in my view, is its direct connection to the people. I have always believed that public service starts with listening, and the House was designed to reflect the voices and needs of everyday Americans. With two-year terms and smaller districts, representatives are expected to stay closely connected to their communities and be fully accountable to their constituents. That kind of responsiveness is exactly what I believe government should deliver.
I also value the House’s diversity. With 435 members from across the country, it brings together a wide range of experiences and ideas that help shape better and more inclusive policies. I am especially inspired by how the House has increasingly become a place where voices that were once overlooked, including military families, LGBTQ+ Americans, and working-class communities, are finally being heard.
The House also holds specific powers that set it apart, including the authority to originate revenue bills and the power to impeach. These responsibilities reflect its essential role in both crafting laws and holding other branches of government accountable. To me, the House represents the heart of our democracy, and I am passionate about upholding its mission to serve with integrity, transparency, and fairness. I believe previous experience in government or politics can be helpful, but it is not the only path to effective leadership. What matters most is a deep commitment to public service, a willingness to listen and learn, and a strong connection to the people you serve. In fact, I believe that bringing fresh perspectives from outside the political establishment can be incredibly valuable. I have never held elected office before, but my experience as a military spouse, parent, and advocate has given me firsthand insight into the real challenges families face every day. I understand what it means to navigate complicated systems, work through tough problems, and fight for what matters. Sometimes, what we need most are leaders who are grounded in real-world experience and who are ready to challenge the status quo. I am committed to being that kind of representative.
I believe the United States faces several major challenges over the next decade that will define our nation’s future. First, we must strengthen national security, both in defense and in facing emerging threats like cybersecurity, terrorism, and global instability. At the same time, protecting our democracy from erosion, safeguarding voting rights, fair elections, and democratic institutions, is absolutely critical.
Economically, we need to repair the damage caused by the disastrous policies of the current Trump Administration, including reckless tax cuts for the wealthy, attacks on social safety nets, and a damaging trade war that hurt American farmers, small businesses, and working families. We must build a more resilient, inclusive economy that lowers costs, creates good-paying jobs, and ensures U.S. competitiveness.
Climate change remains a pressing challenge, especially for coastal districts like ours, requiring bold investments to protect our environment and infrastructure. We also face growing political and social divides, and we must work to heal those divisions by protecting civil rights, ensuring equality, and fostering a culture of respect and inclusion.
Finally, we must recommit to supporting military families and veterans, who too often are overlooked despite their sacrifices. Meeting these challenges requires honest leadership that puts people over politics and prioritizes the future of every American. I believe the two-year term for representatives is important because it keeps members of Congress closely accountable to the people they serve. With shorter terms, representatives must stay connected to their communities and responsive to changing needs and priorities. However, I also recognize that constant campaigning can sometimes get in the way of long-term policymaking and problem-solving. While the two-year term pushes representatives to stay grounded and accessible, I believe we also need to create a political culture that allows leaders to focus on delivering real results, not just the next election. Ultimately, the most important thing is that representatives earn and maintain the trust of their constituents every single day.
I support term limits for Congress because I believe no one should make a career out of holding elected office. While experience and institutional knowledge are valuable, fresh leadership is essential to keeping our government responsive and connected to the people it serves. Term limits can help prevent the kind of entrenched power that too often leads to gridlock, complacency, and the outsized influence of special interests.
That said, term limits alone aren’t enough. We also need broader reforms to restore trust in our democracy. Like ending gerrymandering, strengthening voting rights, and increasing transparency, so voters have real choices and real power at the ballot box. My goal is a Congress that works for the people, not for personal gain or political survival.
One representative I greatly admire is Rep. Jason Crow of Colorado. As a military veteran and advocate for national security, veterans’ issues, and government accountability, he brings a thoughtful, principled approach to public service. I respect how he combines his military experience with a deep commitment to protecting democracy and standing up for working families. He leads with integrity, stays closely connected to his constituents, and consistently works across the aisle to find practical solutions. I hope to model that same balance of service, accountability, and accessibility in my own work as a representative.
I only know 25 letters of the alphabet.
I don’t know y.
Yes, I believe compromise is both necessary and desirable in policymaking. Our government was designed to represent a wide range of voices and perspectives, and meaningful progress often requires finding common ground. Compromise allows leaders to address complex issues in ways that reflect the needs and concerns of diverse communities. It is how we move forward as a nation, even when we disagree on specific points.
That said, compromise should never mean sacrificing core values or fundamental rights. There are principles that must be protected, such as civil rights, equality, and the basic needs of working families. I believe in working across the aisle to achieve practical solutions, but I also believe in standing firm when essential protections and freedoms are at stake. Good policymaking requires both flexibility and conviction, and I am committed to bringing both to the table.
The House’s responsibility to originate all bills for raising revenue is one of the most powerful tools we have to shape the country’s future, and I take that responsibility very personally. As a military spouse and middle-class parent, I know how important it is that our tax system works for everyday families, not just for the wealthy and well-connected. If elected, I would use this authority to fight for fair tax policies that ease the burden on working people while ensuring that corporations and billionaires pay their fair share. I would focus on making sure revenue is directed toward priorities that truly matter—like strengthening Social Security and Medicare, improving veterans’ services, expanding affordable housing, and investing in local infrastructure. For me, this is about making sure every dollar raised and spent actually improves lives in our community and builds a stronger, fairer future for all of us.
The House’s investigative powers are essential for ensuring accountability and transparency in government. I believe these powers should be used responsibly to oversee the executive branch, federal agencies, and any entities that have a significant impact on the public. Investigations should focus on uncovering waste, fraud, abuse, and corruption, and making sure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely.
For me, oversight is not about scoring political points. It is about protecting the interests of the people and ensuring that government programs—especially those that support military families, veterans, healthcare, and infrastructure—are working effectively. If elected, I would advocate for investigations that are fact-based, fair, and focused on improving government performance and public trust.
If elected, I would seek to serve on committees that align with both my personal experience and the pressing needs of Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District. First, the House Armed Services Committee is a top priority. As a military spouse and advocate for service members, I understand the challenges military families face. Whether it’s housing, healthcare, or deployments, and I’m committed to ensuring our armed forces have the resources and support they deserve.
The House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs is also critically important to me. Our district has a large veteran population, and too many of them struggle to access timely healthcare, benefits, and support. I want to be a strong voice ensuring the VA delivers on its promises and that veterans receive the respect and care they have earned.
I am also interested in the House Homeland Security Committee. My background in security management has given me firsthand insight into the complexities of keeping our nation safe, from cybersecurity threats to emergency preparedness. I believe I can contribute meaningfully to strengthening homeland security while protecting civil liberties.
The House Committee on Small Business would allow me to advocate for the small businesses and family farms that are vital to our local economy. I am passionate about expanding economic opportunities, reducing barriers to growth, and making sure entrepreneurs have access to the resources they need to succeed.
Finally, I would value serving on the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability. Transparency and accountability are at the core of my political philosophy. This committee plays a crucial role in holding government agencies, contractors, and elected officials to the highest standards of integrity, something I believe is essential for restoring trust in government.
These committees reflect my commitment to national security, economic growth, veterans’ care, and honest government, core priorities I will champion everyday. I believe financial transparency and government accountability are absolutely essential to a healthy democracy. Taxpayers have every right to know how their money is being spent and to expect that their government is operating honestly, efficiently, and in their best interest. I fully support strict oversight of federal spending, regular audits, and clear public reporting to ensure transparency at every level.
Accountability also means holding officials and agencies responsible when things go wrong. No one should be above the law—whether they are elected officials, government employees, or contractors. I believe in strengthening whistleblower protections, enforcing ethics rules, and creating real consequences for corruption and waste.
Ultimately, government should work for the people, and trust is earned through openness and integrity. If elected, I will always be transparent with my constituents and will fight to make sure our government is too. Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
2022
Nicolaus Sleister completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2021. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Sleister's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I'm running because we need proactive police reform, education equity, and combat climate change. I got into this race because it's time for fresh ideas and bold policies. It's time to eliminate the establishment, rid the government of corporate and pharma money and ensure that the government works for the people.
- Proactive Police Reform
- Education Equity
- Combating Climate Change
Social Justice, Police Reform, Education, Climate, and Homeland Security.
Integrity, Trust, Transparency, and Equality. These are not just characteristics but they are essential to creating a more equitable world to live in. Senators must be honest, build trust, be transparent, and work to build equity in our country.
I am honest, I do not sway from my positions, and I work hard each and every day to make sure that people are respected, safe, and treated with dignity and equity.
To work for the people, to work to ensure equity and equality are looked at during the process of writing a bill not after.
I would like to leave a legacy that makes a positive impact on the lives of every American by creating a more equal and equitable world and ensuring that the work that I will do will benefit to creating a clean world for decades to come.
My first job was working at Subway when I was 14 years old. I kept that job for nearly two years.
The four agreements, because it explains how we should be impeccable in our words, and not to take the remarks of others personal
I would want to be Batman. I have always worked to help people and make a better world. While I have never had even 1,000,000 of a percent the amount of Bruce Wayne has I believe that helping others and our planet is part of being a true human.
My family and I didn't grow up with lots of money, we oftentimes struggled growing up. I have worked hard to ensure that I make a better life for my husband, my son, myself, and everyone I can.
Equity, Education, and Climate action. We must ensure that we root out prejudiced laws and policies that keep people of color at a disadvantage, we must work to ensure that our education system is but for the world today, and we must take action on saving the planet.
The U.S. Senate holds six-year terms, this puts a Senator in a very unique position to make real and positive change.
No, actually it makes the system more corrupt and lacking in ideas and creates a boxed mindset of how the government works. It's time we start thinking outside the box.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
Campaign finance summary
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