Most people think the most suspenseful moments for a politician are on November's election night.

But another day in December also holds a fair amount of drama for lawmakers: lottery day, when incoming members of Congress choose their new offices. 

Spectrum News spoke with newly-elected Rep. Wiley Nickel, D-N.C., after he found out his position for selecting a Capitol Hill office and also got the first behind-the-scenes look back in December — even before the furniture arrived. 

Nickel had the 10th pick out of over 70 members in choosing his office. His luck landed him a prime spot in the Longworth office building — near the House floor.

"We got a good one, so we’re really excited about this space," Nickel told Spectrum News. 

Nickel chose his office both for its location and who previously occupied it.

"There were a few people — we just didn’t want the bad karma or bad energy of a few members," Nickel said. 

Because the transition period between being elected and sworn in is short, incoming lawmakers have less than two months to find a place to live in Washington, D.C.

With Nickel up against the clock, he's recruited his mom for help with finding a place. He's also hired staff and expects to have about 17 in his office.

"It’s a whole lot after you go through a very contentious general election, to jump right in moving to congress," Nickel told Spectrum News.

Part of the transition is also relationship building.

The incoming lawmakers took part in a freshman orientation in December, where they learned how the Capitol works and also got to know their new colleagues.

"A lot of really great people you get to meet. I’m focused on making relationships on both sides of the aisle," Nickel added.

On Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2022, the once-empty office is now full of people and furniture — set up for the next two years as the new Congress begins.