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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

Bilirakis's Congressional campaign received national attention for a strong fundraising effort in 2005. His campaign also has received noteworthy endorsements from Pinellas and Pasco firefighters, Gov. Jeb Bush and other key Republican leaders such as Congressman J. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill), Congressman Roy Blunt and Congressman Tom Reynolds.

References

1. Florida House of Representatives Members web page.
2. Gus Bilirakis campaign web site
3. St. Petersburg Times article - October 26, 2005
4. St. Petersburg Times article - October 12, 2005

• 1963 births
• Living people
• Members of the Florida House of Representatives