Earning a medical doctorate is hard work, perhaps matched only by achieving a law degree. And no one ever said working in the political sphere is a walk in the park. But to be accomplished in all three? That’s a unicorn — one named Nick Muzin.
Yes, Muzin is a doctor, lawyer, political adviser, and Jewish community advocate. He’s forged an inspiring journey that shows how one can follow many different paths in life while staying true to core values and faith.
Faith, Family, and the Pursuit of Knowledge
Born in Montreal, Nick Muzin moved to Toronto at a young age and was raised in a household deeply connected to its Jewish roots. His grandparents were Holocaust survivors, which had a profound influence on his life and outlook.
His early years were shaped by a robust focus on education, where he developed a love for learning, particularly in Talmudic study, and became fascinated by American politics.
While many young people are still determining their future career paths, Muzin was driven by intellectual curiosity and a desire to make a difference.
Due to his outstanding academic achievements, he enrolled at Yeshiva University in New York City, where he followed a pre-med track to fulfill his father’s dream of becoming a doctor.
Reflecting on his time at YU, Muzin said: “I have a lot of hakaras hatov [gratitude] to YU, having benefited from scholarships both as an undergraduate and while in medical school.
“I loved my time there and hope my children will attend one day. But more importantly, I think that YU embodies who I am: a Torah Jew who is trying to make an impact in the modern world.”
After YU, Muzin continued his medical studies at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, securing a full four year scholarship.
Combining Medicine With Policy
Nick Muzin’s ambitions extended beyond medicine, so he pursued a law degree at Yale, where his interest in politics and public service first grew.
At Yale, he connected with prominent legal and political figures; this played a crucial role in shaping his future career. Notably, he served as vice president of the Federalist Society.
Nick was then swept into the political sphere, taking time off from his final year of law school to work as counsel for George W. Bush’s re-election campaign in 2004. “It was a pivotal moment,” he recalls, “It cemented my desire to work in politics.”
His experiences working in hospitals, such as Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, New York City, also contributed to this shift. Seeing the challenges that physicians and patients faced firsthand, he began thinking about how these issues could be addressed through public policy.
Because of this, he joined the prestigious law firm Williams & Connolly, focusing on health care litigation, and also became a senior medical adviser for Sen. John McCain’s presidential campaign.
And although he now focused more on politics and law, Muzin’s medical expertise remained invaluable throughout his career. He played a key role in saving Texas Rep. Ted Poe’s life by successfully performing the Heimlich maneuver when Poe was choking on popcorn.
Shaping Tim Scott’s Political Path
Nick Muzin played a decisive role alongside Tim Scott, helping to raise the profile of the African American Republican politician while steering through the challenges of a deeply divided political landscape.
Their partnership began when Muzin, working in his family’s private equity firm, met Scott during his run for lieutenant governor in South Carolina. Muzin recognized Scott’s potential and suggested he pivot from his lieutenant governor campaign to running for Congress.
With Muzin’s strategic advice and campaign plan, Scott won by a landslide, becoming the first Black Republican senator from the South since Reconstruction.
Once Scott was elected, Muzin served as his chief of staff, playing a central role in his legislative work and later as senior adviser and national political director for TIM-PAC, a political action committee founded to promote candidates who support Israel, lower taxes, and health care reform.
Muzin’s influence was evident in both his political guidance and commitment to fostering strong connections between the Jewish community and conservative leaders in Washington.
Further Political Success & Ted Cruz’s 2016 Campaign
From 2013 to 2014, Muzin then served as director of coalitions for the House Republican Conference, working under the leadership of Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers.
In this role, he coordinated strategy and outreach for all 234 Republican majority members of Congress, honing his skills in political strategy and coalition-building.
At the same time, Muzin embraced another seismic political challenge by joining Sen. Ted Cruz’s team as deputy chief of staff and senior adviser for Cruz’s presidential campaign.
Muzin played a substantial part in campaign strategy, outreach, and messaging, working closely with Cruz to build a coalition that positioned the senator as one of the final candidates standing against Donald Trump.
Though Cruz didn’t ultimately secure the nomination, Muzin’s work, which The Washington Post praised as “the best run campaign of 2016,” solidified his reputation as a top political strategist.
Fixing Complex Legal and Governmental Issues
Today, Nick Muzin runs Stonington Global, the powerhouse law and lobbying firm that advises clients on legal and governmental matters. His deep understanding of both policy and the inner workings of government makes him a sought-after political and business ‘fixer’ for companies navigating complex regulatory landscapes.
Despite his shift into the private sector, Muzin remains deeply involved in the Jewish community and continues to be a strong advocate for Jewish causes, learning the Torah daily, and engaging with Jewish organizations both in Washington and beyond.
A Career Built on Faith, Growth, and Impact
Nick Muzin’s journey is one of continuous growth, reinvention, and impact. From his early days in medicine to his prominent roles in American politics and now his leadership in business and law, Muzin has demonstrated that it’s possible to wear many hats while staying true to your core values.
For those looking to make a difference in the world, whether in politics, business, or any other field, his life offers a compelling example of how diverse experiences and deep convictions can come together to shape a meaningful and impactful career.
