This is an old revision of this page, as edited by John Broughton (talk | contribs) at 21:45, 9 July 2006 (→2006 Congressional campaign: Moving campaign-related details to main article. Detailed info that will not be kept past the November election should NOT be in this article if it is elsewhere.). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
Revision as of 21:45, 9 July 2006 by John Broughton (talk | contribs) (→2006 Congressional campaign: Moving campaign-related details to main article. Detailed info that will not be kept past the November election should NOT be in this article if it is elsewhere.)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Template:Future election candidate
| Gus Michael Bilirakis | |
|---|---|
| File:Gus LEg Pic.jpgGus Bilirakis | |
| Florida House of Representatives | |
| In office First elected as a state legislator in 1998 – Current | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 8, 1963 Gainesville, FL |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Eva |
| Children | Michael, Theodore, Emmanuel, Nicholas |
| Residence(s) | Palm Harbor, FL |
| Website | Campaign web site |
Gus Michael Bilirakis (born February 8, 1963), was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 1998. He is currently the Republican frontrunner in the race for the state's Ninth Congressional District to replace his father, Mike Bilirakis, who is not running for re-election after 23 years in Congress.
Early life
Bilirakis grew up in Tarpon Springs, Fl., as the second-generation son of Greek immigrants. His grandfather opened a bakery in that town; at an early age, Bilirakis began working at there. He attended Tampa Bay area public schools and continued to work in his grandfather's bakery while growing up.
College and career
Bilirakis graduated from Tarpon Springs High School and St. Petersburg Junior College. He then attended the University of Florida, where he graduated in 1986 with a bachelor's degree in political science. He received his law degree from the Stetson University College of Law in 1989.
Bilirakis has a Tampa Bay area law practice, the Bilirakis Law Group, specializing in probate and estate planning, which he took over from his father. He has helped run his father's campaigns for the past 23 years.
Bilirakis was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 1998 when he won the District 48 seat held for 10 years by Representative Sandy Safley, R-Clearwater, who decided not to run again. This district covers most of north Pinellas County and part of Pasco County.
2006 Congressional campaign
Main article: Florida 9th congressional district election, 2006Bilirakis is expected to easily win the Republican primary on September 5, 2006. In November, he will face Democrat Phyllis Busansky. The race is expected to be close.