Steve Scalise Then and Now

Steve Scalise Then

Steve Scalise, born on October 6, 1965, in New Orleans, Louisiana, comes from a family deeply rooted in its Italian heritage. 

His great-grandparents immigrated to the United States from Italy in the late 1800s, establishing a legacy that would eventually see their descendant rise to national prominence. 

Raised alongside his siblings Glenn and Tara, Scalise was influenced by his father, Alfred Joseph Scalise, who worked as a real estate agent, providing for the family and instilling in his children a strong work ethic and sense of community.

Scalise’s educational journey began at Archbishop Rummel High School in Metairie, Jefferson Parish, where he first developed his leadership skills and academic foundation. 

After high school, he attended Louisiana State University (LSU), where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in computer science and a minor in political science. 

His time at LSU proved to be formative, as he not only gained technical expertise in computer science but also deepened his interest in political affairs. 

During his time at LSU, Scalise was a member of the Acacia Fraternity, where he fostered friendships and connections that would later play a role in shaping his political career.

Scalise’s educational background in both science and politics helped prepare him for the complex world of governance, combining analytical skills with a deep understanding of public policy. 

These early experiences laid the groundwork for his future leadership roles in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he would go on to serve as the House Majority Whip and later as a prominent member of Congress.

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Steve Scalise’s Political Career

Steve Scalise began his political career in 1995 when he was recruited by the Republican Party to run for the Louisiana House of Representatives after state representative Quentin Dastugue vacated his seat following an unsuccessful gubernatorial bid. 

Scalise’s entry into Louisiana politics marked the beginning of his steady rise in public office. 

He successfully won the election, and his leadership resonated with his constituents, leading to his re-election in 1999 and 2003. 

He served in the Louisiana House of Representatives until 2007, establishing a strong foundation for his political future.

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In 2007, Scalise transitioned to the Louisiana Senate, winning the District 9 seat in a nonpartisan blanket primary after Ken Hollis left due to term limits. 

That same year, Republican Bobby Jindal became governor, leaving his U.S. House of Representatives seat vacant. 

Sensing a strategic opportunity, Scalise announced his candidacy for the U.S. House and secured strong backing from the Republican Party. 

In May 2008, he was sworn into office after defeating Democrat Jim Harlan. 

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Scalise’s influence grew as he won re-election in 2010, further solidifying his position in Congress.

During his tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives, Scalise served on several influential committees and caucuses. 

He was a member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. 

Additionally, he participated in the Congressional Western Caucus and the Republican Study Committee, showcasing his involvement in various policy areas. 

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His legislative efforts included co-sponsoring the controversial Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) in 2011 and sponsoring the FCC Consolidated Reporting Act in 2013, which streamlined the Federal Communications Commission’s reporting process.

In 2014, Scalise’s career took a significant leap when he was elected House Majority Whip after Republicans gained control of the House of Representatives. 

This position elevated his national profile and gave him significant influence in shaping legislative agendas. 

However, in June 2017, Scalise was seriously injured during a politically motivated shooting at a congressional baseball practice. 

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The attack left him in critical condition, but he made a remarkable recovery, returning to Congress in September of that year.

Despite the Republicans losing their majority in 2018, Scalise maintained his leadership role, being elected House Minority Whip in 2019. 

His commitment to the Republican cause continued, even amid controversy. 

Following the 2020 presidential election, Scalise voted to de-certify Joe Biden’s electoral victories in Arizona and Pennsylvania, and he refused to fully acknowledge Biden’s win well into 2021. 

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His actions during this period reflect his alignment with Donald Trump and the broader faction of the Republican Party that questioned the election results.

Scalise’s political stances are rooted in traditional conservative ideology. 

He has been a vocal opponent of the Affordable Care Act and gun control legislation. 

Even after being critically injured by gunfire, Scalise maintained his stance on the Second Amendment, asserting that additional gun laws would only hinder law-abiding citizens. 

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He has also opposed the legalization of marijuana, citing it as a gateway drug, and has stood against same-sex marriage and policies supporting LGBT rights. 

Furthermore, Scalise has expressed skepticism about climate change, rejecting scientific consensus on the issue, which aligns with his broader conservative views. 

Throughout his career, Scalise has remained a steadfast advocate of these positions, earning both support and criticism.

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Steve Scalise’s Wife and Children

Steve Scalise married Jennifer Ann Letulle on March 19, 2005, and together they have two children. 

The family, who shares a strong Roman Catholic faith, resides in New Orleans, maintaining close ties to Scalise’s Louisiana roots. 

In August 2023, Scalise publicly revealed that he had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer.

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Despite the seriousness of the diagnosis, Scalise shared that it had been caught early and was considered highly treatable. He began chemotherapy treatments and, by September 2023, was able to return to his work in Congress. 

Demonstrating resilience, he completed his chemotherapy by December, signaling a significant milestone in his treatment and continuing his commitment to public service amidst personal health challenges.

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Steve Scalise Now

Steve Scalise, currently 59 years old, is a seasoned American politician who has played a prominent role in the U.S. House of Representatives. 

Since 2008, he has represented Louisiana’s 1st congressional district, a position that has solidified his leadership within the Republican Party. 

In 2023, Scalise achieved a significant milestone in his career by being elected as the House Majority Leader, a role that positions him at the forefront of legislative decisions and strategy within the chamber.

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Before ascending to the position of House Majority Leader, Scalise served as the House Majority Whip from 2014 to 2019. 

In this role, he was responsible for rallying party members and securing votes on key legislative issues. 

His effectiveness in this position earned him respect within Republican ranks and set the stage for his future leadership roles. 

Following the loss of the Republican majority in 2018, Scalise was elected as the House Minority Whip in 2019, serving in this capacity until 2023. 

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During these years, Scalise played a crucial role in shaping the party’s opposition strategy and maintaining unity within the Republican caucus.

Throughout his career, Scalise has demonstrated a strong commitment to conservative principles, which has made him a central figure in shaping the direction of the Republican Party in Congress. 

His experience in leadership roles has equipped him with the skills to navigate complex political landscapes and influence legislative priorities on issues such as health care, energy, and economic policy. 

As House Majority Leader, Scalise continues to wield significant influence, working to advance the Republican legislative agenda in a highly divided political environment.

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