A 33rd degree Mason, Nick Rahall is a life member of the National Rifle Association, the Loyal Orders of Elks and Moose, and was made an honorary member of the United Mine Workers of America. Before his election to Congress, Rahall served as a staff assistant to U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd, and as a businessman. Congressman Rahall and his wife Melinda have three children: Rebecca, Nick Joe, III and Suzanne Nicole and a granddaughter, Madison Kaylee.