Dominic Valentine
Legislative Correspondent
Sen. Mike Lee
Want to meet a Legislative Correspondent who worked on a salmon fishing boat?
Oh, you should talk to Dominic Valentine!
Growing up in a military family, Dominic Valentine spent a lot of time moving around, but since he spent the most time growing up in Southeast D.C. he considers it home.
“After graduating from the University of Dallas, I moved home, got an internship that helped me land a Staff Assistant role, and eventually switched to the Senate,” says Dominic.
Now, he’s a Legislative Correspondent for Sen. Mike Lee, where he’s found more than just meaningful policy work.
When asked what he enjoys about his office, Dominic said: “Our undefeated softball team, a new appreciation for Diet Coke, and the good people this office attracts.”
Something most people may not know about Dominic is his time as an “avid rugby player” in high school and college. After breaking his collar bone three times, Dominic retired and is now into long-distance running. He has two marathons under his belt and is currently training for the Marine Corps Marathon in October.
His Backstory
🏠 Hometown: Washington, D.C.
🎓 College & Major: University of Dallas (Politics)
💭 Favorite Hill Memory: “Going to the Senate gallery at 3 a.m. during a vote-a-rama.”
Learn Your Way Around
For those new to the Hill, Dominic offers simple – but essential – advice: Learn your way around.
“I’d recommend getting familiar with navigating the House and Senate office buildings—and the Capitol—as soon as you can,” says Dominic.
After getting lost more than once while escorting groups to meetings, he now sees the value in using lunch breaks to explore.
“It really helps, and it comes in handy when friends and family come to visit, too,” he says.
🔗 CNCT with Dominic about…
Working on a salmon fishing boat for a summer 🎣
His three-week walk from Gubbio to Rome
Espresso and Aperol Spritz’s 🍹
Taco Tuesday from Dirksen
❤️ Dominic’s Favorites
Coffee Spot: Lavazza vending machine in the Russell basement
Bar: Talay Thai
Happy Hour: Union Pub
Lunch Spot: Russell Courtyard
TV Show: Monk
Movie: Apocalypto or Ratatouille
Dominic’s Italian Daydream 🇮🇹
Do you already have your retirement planned out? Dominic does, and it involves him living in Castel Gandolfo (the Pope’s summer retreat).
“I could sit in the town square all day every day, sipping espresso and Aperol Spritzes,” he says.
After years on the Hill, he’s looking forward to a slower pace and hopefully a comfy chair at a café table.
One more (Italian) thing: Be sure to ask Dominic about his three-week walk from Gubbio to Rome with his 20-person high school class after graduation.
Dominic’s Capitol Corner
💎 D.C. Hidden Gem: The bike paths in Kenilworth Park
📝 Best Out-of-Office Workplace: Library of Congress
👔 Hill Closet, Sponsored by: “My mom and Target”
🙏 My Hill Holy Grail: “Sunny Sandwich for breakfast at Cups”
Staffer Advice 👀
“When I was interviewing for my previous role, the LD who eventually hired me told me right after our preliminary interview that I needed to make more eye contact. I went home and practiced responses in the mirror, making sure to maintain steady eye contact with myself. It felt awkward, but it worked!”
- Dominic Valentine