Nick Galifianakis (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nick Galifianakis
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from North Carolina |
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| In office January 3, 1967 – January 3, 1973 |
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| Preceded by | Ralph J. Scott |
| Succeeded by | Ike F. Andrews |
| Constituency | 5th district (1967–69) 4th district (1969–73) |
| Member of the North Carolina House of Representatives from Durham County |
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| In office February 8, 1961 – February 8, 1967 |
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| Preceded by | multi-member district |
| Succeeded by | multi-member district |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 22, 1928 Durham, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Died | March 27, 2023 (aged 94) Raleigh, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Louise Galifianakis |
| Children | 2 |
| Relatives | Zach Galifianakis (nephew) Nick Galifianakis (nephew) |
| Education | Duke University (BA, LLB) |
| Occupation | Attorney, college professor |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service | United States Marine Corps Reserve |
| Years of service | 1953–1956 |
| Rank | Major |
Nick Galifianakis (born July 22, 1928 – died March 27, 2023) was an American politician and lawyer. He was a member of the Democratic Party and served as a U.S. Congressman for North Carolina from 1967 to 1973.
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Early Life and Education
Nick Galifianakis was born in Durham, North Carolina. His parents, Sophia and Mike Galifianakis, were immigrants from Greece. He went to public schools in his hometown.
After high school, he attended Duke University. He earned a bachelor's degree in 1951. Then, he completed his law degree in 1953.
From 1953 to 1956, Nick served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. After his military service, he became a lawyer. He started his law practice in Durham. In 1960, he also became a business law professor at Duke University. That same year, he was elected to the North Carolina House of Representatives.
Serving in Congress
In 1966, Nick Galifianakis was elected to the United States Congress. He represented North Carolina's 5th district. After some changes to district maps in 1968, he then represented the 4th district. This new district included cities like Durham and Raleigh. He was reelected to the House of Representatives in 1968 and 1970.
Running for the U.S. Senate
In 1972, Galifianakis decided to run for a U.S. Senate seat. He won the Democratic Party's primary election. This meant he would face the Republican challenger, Jesse Helms, in the main election.
During the campaign, Galifianakis was ahead for a while. However, Jesse Helms gained support by connecting Galifianakis to the national Democratic presidential candidate, George McGovern, who was not very popular in North Carolina. Helms also used the slogan "Jesse Helms: He's One of Us." Nick Galifianakis tried to distance himself from McGovern. In the end, Helms won the election.
Galifianakis tried again to win the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate in 1974. However, he lost in the primary election to Robert Morgan.
Later Life and Family
After leaving politics, Nick Galifianakis returned to his law practice in Durham. He continued working as a lawyer until he was in his mid-80s.
Nick Galifianakis and his wife, Louise, had two children. He was also related to some well-known people. His nephew, also named Nick Galifianakis, is a famous cartoonist. Another nephew is the actor and comedian Zach Galifianakis.
Nick Galifianakis passed away in Raleigh on March 27, 2023, at the age of 94. He had been living with Parkinson's disease for several years.
