District 15 - Kayla Knight

Biography:
Kayla L. Knight is a lifelong Wantagh resident, attorney, and Nassau County Legislator committed to public safety, fiscal responsibility, and strong local communities.

Ms. Knight is a proud graduate of Wantagh High School and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies with a minor in American Government and Politics from St. John’s University. At St. John’s, Knight was awarded the Spirit of St. John’s Award, received the Richard W. Pretzer Award recognizing excellence and commitment in performance, and was inducted into the President’s Society, the highest honor bestowed upon a St. John’s University student in recognition of academic excellence, leadership, and service.

 Knight later earned her Juris Doctor from the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University in 2022 and was admitted to practice law in New York State in 2023 and in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York in 2024. While in law school, she served as President of the Veterans Law Student Association, organizing legal clinics to provide free legal assistance to local veterans. Ms. Knight considers it a privilege and responsibility to serve those who have valiantly served our nation.

Knight brings legal experience from both sides of the courtroom. She has represented injured individuals in complex personal injury matters, securing meaningful settlements and gaining extensive experience in mediations, arbitrations, infant compromise proceedings, hearings, and the drafting and argument of complex motions. Knight also brings experience from the defense side, providing her with a well-rounded perspective on litigation, evaluation, and resolution. Her professional background additionally includes service with the Nassau County Legislature and the Nassau County Executive’s Office, giving her a strong understanding of government operations and constituent service.

A proud member of the Wantagh community, Knight was crowned Miss Wantagh 2014 and has remained actively involved with the Miss Wantagh Pageant since her crowning. She has served as Past Pageant Director of the seven-decade-old Miss Wantagh Pageant, an academic- and community-service-based organization that emphasizes confidence, leadership, and giving back to the community. Knight also serves as Vice President of the Long Island Italian Lions Club, supporting charitable, civic, and health-related initiatives throughout Nassau County, including advocacy and fundraising for Cooley’s Anemia and other community causes.

A classically trained vocalist, Ms. Knight is a supporter of the arts and local traditions that contribute to a strong sense of community throughout District 15.