

Last Updated: 11 Oct, 2025 | Views: 458
Age: 60
Profession: Politician
Other Profession(s): Businessperson
Higher Education: Louisiana State University
About (Profile/Biography):
Stephen Joseph “Steve” Scalise (born October 6, 1965, New Orleans, Louisiana) is a Republican leader in the U.S. House of Representatives, currently serving as House Majority Leader since 2023. He has represented Louisiana’s 1st Congressional District since 2008, after earlier serving in the Louisiana State House and a short term in the State Senate. Steve is known for his conservative positions on government spending, taxes, healthcare, and energy, and often emphasizes his roots in Louisiana coastal restoration and energy production. He survived a life threatening gunshot wound during a 2017 congressional baseball practice, which deeply shaped his perspective. Outside politics, Steve is a practicing Roman Catholic, married to Jennifer Letulle, and father of two children. He holds a B.S. in Computer Science with a minor in Political Science from LSU. Steve combines legislative leadership with personal resilience and long standing local identity in Louisiana.
Early Life & Education of Steve Scalise
• Steve was born in Jefferson Parish, near New Orleans, into a family of Sicilian ancestry, whose great grandparents immigrated to the U.S. and ran a grocery store.
• He graduated from Archbishop Rummel High School, then attended Louisiana State University where he earned a Computer Science degree and a minor in Political Science.
• Steve got involved in politics young: at 18 he registered as a Republican, participated in College Republicans, and engaged in student government at LSU.
Congressional & Leadership Career
• Steve won a special election in 2008 to fill the U.S. House seat vacated by Bobby Jindal, and he has been reelected many times since.
• He has held key leadership posts: House Majority Whip (2014 2018), Minority Whip (2019 2022), then Majority Leader starting 2023.
• Steve is known for pushing energy policy, coastal restoration in Louisiana, and promoting legislation like the RESTORE Act after Deepwater Horizon to funnel funds back to his state’s coastline.
Controversies & Criticism
• In 2002 Steve spoke at a European American Unity and Rights Organization (EURO) conference led by ex KKK figure David Duke; he later apologized saying he did not know of the group’s racist ideology.
• Some critics raised concerns over his strong alliance with pro gun rights groups after surviving being shot in 2017, arguing it colors his stance in ways seen as overly absolutist.
• He also faced internal party challenges, including failing to secure enough GOP votes in 2023 to become Speaker after Kevin McCarthy’s removal, leading him to withdraw his bid.
Awards & Recognition
• Steve received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2022 for his philanthropic and humanitarian contributions to American society.
• He was honored with the Spirit of Enterprise Award by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 2009, earning high pro business rankings from his votes in Congress.
• Steve earned the Taxpayers’ Friend Award from the National Taxpayers Union (2018) for his voting record to reduce spending and lower taxes, especially strong among leadership.
Lesser Known Facts
• Though rooted in politics, Steve’s first degree is in Computer Science, a less visible part of his profile compared to his political roles.
• He is an avid supporter of Louisiana’s local culture and sports: being fan of LSU sports and the New Orleans Saints is important in his personal stories.
• Steve’s congressional website won the Gold Mouse Award in 2010 for accessibility, transparency and communication with constituents.
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