Joe Nicola

Nicola served in the US Navy from 1984-1990. He previously operated a Kansas City motorcycle shop named Vision Cycles. He worked at Blue Springs School District from 1999-2017. He has volunteered for Youth Friends Organization in Independence, Habitat for Humanity, The Salvation Army, City Union Mission, and Independence Public School District. He lives in Grain Valley with his partner.^[1]

Nicola was a youth pastor from 1990-1999.^[1]

In 1999, Nicola founded the non-denominational organization New Covenant Ministries in Independence. His teachings align with New Apostolic Reformation and Christian nationalism, including claims that Jesus intended to build a "world-reaching government of Heaven," describing the separation of church and state as a misnomer, and references to globalist conspiracy theories.^[2]

In 2022, Nicola ran against Mike Cierpiot, who he described as the "worst Republican in our area."^[3] Following redistricting, Nicola ran for the senate seat vacated by term-limited John Rizzo and defeated challenger Robert Sauls.^[4] Nicola garnered controversy when New Covenant Ministries donated to his election PAC. Nicola argued the donations are legal as the organization is not registered with the IRS as a nonprofit, however it has been registered as a nonprofit with the state and exempt from taxes since its founding.^[2] He swore into office in January 2025.^[1]

In March 2025, Nicola conducted a two hour filibuster against a bill to subsidize the redevelopment of commercial buildings in downtown St. Louis, alleging that it would advance a globalist plot.^[5]

In 2026, Nicola sponsored legislation to lower minimum wage for minors to $12.30, down from the state minimum of $15/hour.^[6]