Meet Mike.
For nearly 35 years, Mike DeCillis has answered the call to serve.
A fourth-generation Staten Islander and third-generation union member, Mike has dedicated his life to protecting, educating, and advocating for the people of Staten Island and South Brooklyn. His story isn't one of politics—it's one of public service.
His grandparents and parents were educators, city workers and union members. He learned early that serving your community is not just a responsibility—it's a way of life.
As a teenager, Mike volunteered at St. Vincent's Hospital (now Richmond University Medical Center, RUMC) where he was born. While in college, Mike became a volunteer EMT and spent nights training to be a paramedic. Upon graduation from Kalamazoo College, Mike was a SWAT paramedic and field training officer in Michigan where he created and implemented Michigan’s first K-9 Unit pre-hospital emergency care program.
Returning to New York, Mike witnessed both the best and worst of humanity. On September 11, 2001, he answered the call as a first responder at Ground Zero, treating injured firefighters in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks. The experience reinforced what he already believed: when your community needs you, you show up.
He continued that commitment as a NYPD officer, serving for a decade and building lasting relationships in the neighborhoods he protected. He was trained on post-9/11 counter-intelligence and Mike understands that public safety is built not only on enforcing the law, but on earning the trust of the communities officers serve. While working full-time as a police officer, Mike attended New York Law School and earned his Juris Doctorate.
Mike was a civil litigation attorney committed to protecting the rights guaranteed to every American. He has been a strong advocate for preserving free, fair, and accessible elections because he believes our democracy only works when every eligible citizen has a voice.
Mike also brought his experience to state government, serving as Chief of Staff and Director of Legislation in the New York State Assembly. There, he worked to improve the lives of New Yorkers by advancing practical policies that strengthened transparency, improved conditions for NYCHA residents, and delivered results for working families.
But one of Mike's proudest roles has been in the classroom. He was a Teaching Fellow with Americorps and completed a Masters in Education from Hunter College.
As a special education teacher, he taught students on the autism spectrum in New York City's District 75 schools and worked in both 6:1:1 and ICT settings. Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, and Mike believes access to a quality public education should never depend on a student's ZIP code, disability, or family income.
Throughout every chapter of his career, one thing has remained constant: Mike has never stopped serving the community that raised him.
He has worked here. He has commuted here. He has raised his family here. He understands the challenges facing Staten Island and South Brooklyn because he has lived them alongside his neighbors.
Today, Mike is running for Congress because he believes our district deserves a representative who puts people before politics. He wants to lower costs for working families, protect Social Security and Medicare, strengthen public education, defend our democratic institutions, and ensure government works for everyday people—not just the wealthy and well-connected.
For Mike DeCillis, public service has never been about the next job. It has always been about answering the next call.
Now, he's asking for the opportunity to continue serving as your voice in Congress.
Members of the U.S. House of Representatives write and vote on federal laws, including the federal budget. Each represents one district and serves a two-year term. Tax bills must start in the House, only the House can impeach federal officials, and members oversee federal agencies through their committees.