Biography

U.S. Representative Nick J. Rahall, II, represents West Virginia’s Third Congressional District.  He currently serves as the Ranking Member on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and served as a Member of the House Natural Resources Committee for 34 years, the last four as Chairman between 2007 and 2011.

First elected in 1976, Rahall is currently serving his 19th term in the House of Representatives, and is recognized as the youngest-elected, longest-serving Member in the history of the House.  

As a longstanding member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and now its top Democrat, Rahall has been a leader in every Federal Highway debate since coming to Congress, working to build and repair the Nation’s highways and bridges, improve and modernize airports, and provide critical water and sewer systems and flood control projects throughout West Virginia and the Nation.  

On the Natural Resources Committee, he strived to honor the Committee’s charge of serving the natural environment, wild lands, scenic vistas, fish and wildlife, and the American public.  His membership on that Committee afforded him the chance to work on issues close to the hearts of many West Virginians – such as preserving the State’s rich history; expanding tourism opportunities; protecting hunting, fishing, and other recreational activities; and safeguarding West Virginia’s special places for future generations to enjoy.

A 33rd degree Mason, Rahall also is a life member of the National Rifle Association, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Loyal Order of Moose, and the NAACP: National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and is an honorary member of the United Mine Workers of America.  Before his election to Congress, he made a career as a businessman and served as staff aide for U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd.

He is married to the former Melinda Ross of Ashland, Kentucky; has three children: Rebecca, Nick Joe, III, and Suzanne Nicole; and three grandchildren.