Nicholas LaBelle was born and raised in New Jersey.
In his early years, his family relocated from Piscataway to Pittstown. Today, he proudly calls Hunterdon home and has worked in various capacities to help preserve its natural beauty.
Nicholas attributes his passion for public service to his family, particularly his mother, who instilled in him the value of thinking of others before yourself from a very young age.
These principles have become a guiding philosophy in his life. As a young child, he began volunteering at his local church, and during high school, he actively participated in civic engagement programs through the YMCA.
Nicholas's current role at the NJ Department of the Treasury has a substantial impact on the covered lives of 800,000 New Jerseyans and millions more through his work in healthcare policy. He is actively involved in modernizing operations, developing policies, and improving the State’s health benefits program, all with the goal of enhancing service delivery and maximizing value for both members and taxpayers.
Nicholas completed his education at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, earning dual degrees from the Rutgers Business School in Business Analytics and Information Technology (BAIT) and from the School of Arts and Sciences in Economics. He also pursued focused studies in German and Real Estate. During his time at Rutgers, Nicholas actively contributed to the community through his involvement as Student Body President with the Rutgers University Student Assembly.
In 2021, Nicholas launched his first campaign for public office in Legislative District 23 with a clear mission: to drive economic revival in the post-pandemic period, provide crucial support to struggling small businesses, and improve the overall quality of life for New Jersey residents.
His campaign achieved significant milestones, including receiving the highest number of Democratic votes ever recorded in the district's history and increasing voter turnout among historically underserved populations.
Additionally, he successfully raised over $30,000 in campaign funds and secured endorsements from various national and state-level organizations.
In 2020, amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Nicholas took on an extraordinary task while serving as the 14th Student Body President of Rutgers University. He played a pivotal role in creating the first-ever COVID-19 student government relief program in the United States.
This initiative acted swiftly, even preceding congressional action, and provided crucial support to students facing urgent needs such as rent assistance and food insecurity.
In his leisure time, Nicholas finds tranquility in exploring New Jersey’s scenic trails, which showcase the state's natural beauty. He also enjoys diving into non-fiction history books, seeking a deeper understanding of the past. Furthermore, his appreciation for the arts is reflected in his enjoyment of classical music, which provides both inspiration and relaxation. Additionally, Nicholas channels his creative energy into playing the saxophone, harmonizing with the rhythm of life.