Summary
Michael John Haridopolos (born March 15, 1970) is an American politician, consultant, and educator. He previously served in the Florida Senate and was President of the Florida Senate from 2010 to 2012. He also served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2000 to 2003.
He is currently the Member-elect of the United States House of Representatives from Florida’s 8th congressional district, an open seat following incumbent Bill Posey’s decision not to seek reelection.
OnAir Post: Mike Haridopolos FL-08
About
Experience
Mike Haridopolos is a seasoned leader with a rich history of public service, business success, and a steadfast lifelong commitment to conservative values. With 12 years of experience in the Florida House of Representatives and the State Senate (and serving as President of the Senate from 2010 to 2012), Mike has championed transparency, reduced taxes, and conservative reforms. His journey began in academia, teaching U.S. History and Political Science, and continues today as a political analyst and business consultant. Residing in Indian Harbour Beach with his family, Mike is dedicated to serving Brevard, Indian River, and Orange Counties with integrity, strength and vision.
History
Mike has always cared deeply about our country, our constitution, and our American values. He began his career teaching United States History and Political Science at Brevard Community College—now Eastern Florida State College. Haridopolos also taught classes as an instructor at the Bob Graham Center at the University of Florida.
In the Florida Legislature, Mike quickly established himself as a capable lawmaker who stood firmly rooted in his conservative values. Mike pushed for greater government transparency and accountability for Floridians, leading the effort to put the state’s budget online. In 2008, he sponsored and championed Florida’s constitutional amendment reducing property taxes and allowing homeowners to bring their tax savings with them when they move to a new home. Mike made transforming the Florida Senate into a more conservative policy body a key objective of his Senate Presidency.
After leaving office in 2012, Haridopolos started MJH Consulting, a successful business and political consulting company. He appears regularly on Fox 35 Orlando offering political analysis and remains active in federal, state, and local politics, helping Republicans win elections. Mike lives in Indian Harbour Beach with his wife Dr. Stephanie Haridopolos. They have three adult children, Alexis, Hayden and Reagan.
Web Links
Politics
Source: Wikipedia
During his first term as Senate President, he oversaw the balancing of the state’s budget which suffered a $4 billion shortfall.
That same year, the Senate also passed more than $300 million in tax relief, including a measure that effectively eliminates the corporate income tax burden for nearly half the roughly 30,000 Florida businesses that currently pay the tax; reformed Florida’s entitlement programs, including the state’s pension, welfare and Medicaid systems; reformed the state’s education system; tightened regulations on unauthorized sales of habit-forming drugs; and reformed the state’s growth management laws.
New Legislation
Issues
ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION
Mike’s top priority is to address the catastrophic crisis at our southern border. The Biden Border Crisis has allowed record numbers of illegal immigrants and deadly drugs to pour across the southern border. Under Biden, over 7 million illegals have entered our nation illegally and it must stop.
Mike led the fight to defeat a measure in the Florida legislature to allow illegals to obtain a driver’s license. We must be a nation of laws and secure the border.
FIX OUR ECONOMY
Joe Biden’s economy is crushing our families. Out-of-control inflation, higher taxes, and reckless spending are putting the American Dream out of reach for millions of Americans. It’s time to make the American economy work for our families once again.
Mike understands that burdensome federal and state regulations and mandates stifle economic growth and job creation. Mike will stand against federal mandates that hurt small businesses. We must reform the broken tax code in Washington and protect the Trump Tax Cuts from expiring.
We must reduce gas prices and the best way to do so is to return to the Trump policies that made America energy independent. Low energy prices are the key to economic growth, and it will in turn reduce out-of-control inflation. I support an “All of the Above” approach to American energy.
INDIAN RIVER LAGOON
Mike has lived in Brevard County since 1989 and raised his family along the Lagoon and that is why it’s so important for us to work together to care for our environment. Our quality of life, economy, tourism, property values, and the survival of many indigenous species of plant and wildlife will depend on our efforts. Advancing common sense ideas that protect our Lagoon and preserve our natural beauty is important to Mike.
The National Estuary Program (NEP) was created by Congress in 1987 to protect and restore the water quality and ecological integrity of estuaries of national significance. Mike will vote to sustain the NEP program to help maintain our nation’s environmental treasures like the Indian River Lagoon. Plus, Mike will join the bi-partisan Congressional Estuary Caucus created by Bill Posey to help solve the growing problem in our 28 estuaries across the nation.
SPACE
Space exploration generates high-paying jobs here in District 8. Space is key to American technological innovation as well as our national security. Space is the ultimate military high ground. Free nations worldwide are looking to the U.S. to lead the world in space, and if we fail to do so, others – namely China and Russia – will fill that void, and threaten our economic and national security interests.
CRIME & PUBLIC SAFETY
As the son of a law enforcement agent, Mike knows the challenges our men and women in uniform face each day. Mike will always “Back the Blue” and is grateful for the support of the Sheriffs of both Brevard and Indian River Counties.
Additionally, Mike has always been a staunch defender of our Second Amendment rights, carrying an A rating from the NRA from his service in the Florida Legislature. Mike will protect our right to bear arms in Congress.
THE MILITARY & VETERANS
Mike’s son serves in the United States Air Force. Our military preserves our freedom every day. We must back them with the best technology available to keep evil at bay and ensure a strong national defense.
Our veterans deserve the best care as well for their service to our nation. Unfortunately, the system too often lets our veterans down. Mike will fight each day to make sure our veterans get the top-notch care they deserve.
TERM LIMITS
Mike believes in term limits. Florida is proof that term limits work. Florida is the epicenter of conservative reforms where citizens serve and then return to the private sector. Mike signed the U.S. Term Limits pledge and will vote for all term limits measures in office.
HEALTHCARE
United States leads the world in medical innovation and our healthcare system should reflect that excellence. In Congress, Mike will champion solutions that provide affordable, patient-centered healthcare. Obamacare represents a dangerous step toward government-controlled, single-payer healthcare, which undermines the free market.
To bring down healthcare costs, we need to empower individuals with tax benefits. Additionally, we must restore the original function of the Commerce Clause by legalizing the purchase of health insurance across state lines. Allowing for state reciprocity would enhance patient freedom, driving competition and lowering costs. Mike will advocate for block grants to states, enabling them to design and implement healthcare solutions that fit the needs of their residents, free from federal overreach. These reforms will cut through bureaucratic red tape, empower patients, and ensure healthcare is affordable and accessible to all Americans.
NATIONAL DEBT
Our national debt is now more than $34 trillion and is growing each day. Social Security and Medicare, programs seniors paid for during their working years are in jeopardy of going bankrupt if we don’t act. Mike will fight the Democrats’ reckless tax and spending agenda to preserve and protect these vital programs for our future generations. As President of the Senate, Mike faced a $4B budget shortfall. He found common-sense solutions to cut government spending and balance the budget. He will do the same in Washington and sponsor a Constitutional Amendment to balance the budget.
WEAPONIZATION OF JUSTICE
In Joe Biden’s America, there is one system of lawlessness for his friends and allies and a weaponization against his perceived enemies. Mike is honored to have the endorsement of patriots like Congressman Jim Jordan and will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with him to end the weaponization of our justice system.
More Information
Wikipedia
Michael John Haridopolos[1] (born March 15, 1970) is an American politician, consultant, and educator. He previously served in the Florida Senate and was President of the Florida Senate from 2010 to 2012. He also served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2000 to 2003.
He is currently the Member-elect of the United States House of Representatives from Florida’s 8th congressional district, an open seat following incumbent Bill Posey‘s decision not to seek reelection.[2]
Early life and education
Haridopolos was born in Huntington, New York to his parents Ernie and Georgia Haridopolos. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Stetson University in history and his Master of Arts degree in history from the University of Arkansas.[3]
Teaching career
Haridopolos taught United States History and Political Science at Brevard Community College—now Eastern Florida State College—starting in 1993. [4]
Beginning in 2007, Haridopolos taught classes as an instructor at the Bob Graham Center at the University of Florida.[5]
Political career
In 2000, Haridopolos won an open seat in the Florida House, after winning a six-way Republican primary by over 30 percentage points and later won the November general election 65-35%.[6][7] He won the 2002 Republican primary following re-apportionment with over 82% of the vote and was re-elected to the Florida House with 79% of the vote in the general election.[8][9]
In January 2003, State Senator Howard Futch passed away, and a special election was called in order to elect a new senator. Haridopolos won the Republican Party primary with 84% of the vote, and he won 63% of the vote in the general election to win the remainder of the four-year senate term.[10][11]
In 2008, Haridopolos passed on an open Congressional race with the retirement of Congressman Dave Weldon. Weldon and others asked Haridopolos to run, including the eventual nominee and now Congressman Bill Posey.[12] Haridopolos endorsed Posey. Posey went on to win both the Republican primary and general election.[13] Haridopolos said that he wanted to focus on his likely role as Senate President and continue his push to make the Florida Senate more conservative.
In both 2006 and 2010, Haridopolos was re-elected without opposition to the Florida Senate. Haridopolos actively supported conservative candidates throughout the state in the 2006, 2008, and 2010 election cycles.[14] In the Florida Senate, Haridopolos served as Majority Whip from 2006 to 2008 and, in 2009, was elected President of the Senate.[3] Haridopolos was sworn in as Senate President on November 16, 2010, for a two-year term. He presided over the largest Republican majority (28-12) since Reconstruction.[15] Before being sworn in, Haridopolos made headlines when he removed the doors from his Senate office, making a pledge to be transparent and accessible during his term as President.[16]
Haridopolos is a co-founder of the Freedom Caucus, which has signed Americans for Tax Reform‘s Taxpayer Protection Pledge to “oppose and vote against any and all efforts to increase taxes” every year before the Legislature goes into session.[17]
Haridopolos sought the Republican nomination to challenge incumbent U.S. Senator Bill Nelson in 2012.[18][19] The Washington Post identified Haridopolos as “one of the state Republican Party’s rising stars.”[20] On July 18, 2011, Haridopolos released a campaign video stating that he would no longer seek the nomination for the 2012 U.S. Senate seat, effectively ending his campaign.[21]
His candidacy received a number of endorsements, including former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, U.S. Congressman Connie Mack, CFO Jeff Atwater, and Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam.[22][23][24] He dropped out of the campaign in July 2011 in order to focus on his position as President of the Florida Senate.[25]
Term as Senate President
During his first term as Senate President, he oversaw the balancing of the state’s budget which suffered a $4 billion shortfall.[26]
That same year, the Senate also passed more than $300 million in tax relief, including a measure that effectively eliminates the corporate income tax burden for nearly half the roughly 30,000 Florida businesses that currently pay the tax; reformed Florida’s entitlement programs, including the state’s pension, welfare and Medicaid systems; reformed the state’s education system; tightened regulations on unauthorized sales of habit-forming drugs; and reformed the state’s growth management laws.[citation needed]
Florida Innocence Commission
In 2010, Haridopolos began to pursue the creation of an innocence commission. The commission sought to review cases where Floridians were possibly falsely imprisoned.[27]
In 2005, Haridopolos supported a claim from Wilton Dedge that he had been convicted and wrongfully imprisoned for 22 years. He was exonerated by DNA testing in August 2004. The claim bill, which awarded Dedge $2 million in compensation, passed in the Florida Legislature during a special session in 2005.[28]
In 2012, Haridopolos helped pass two claims bills to compensate victims of wrongful imprisonment.
One was a claim for William Dillon, who had been wrongfully incarcerated for 27 years. He was exonerated after DNA testing. He was compensated $1.35 million by the Florida Legislature.[29]
The other was for Eric Brody, who suffered catastrophic injuries after being struck by a police cruiser in 1999. He was compensated $10.75 million for ongoing medical care.[30]
At the close of the 2012 Legislative Session, a News Service of Florida story noted that “Two lives may be changed for the better by the cash, a long-lasting effect of Haridopolos’ persistence.”[31]
Subsequent career
In 2019, Haridopolos co-authored the book The Modern Republican Party in Florida with Peter Dunbar. The book chronicles the rise of the Republican Party in Florida from the 1950s through the 2018 elections. [32] He continued to teach at the University of Florida after he left the Florida Senate.[33]
He owns and operates MJH Consulting. He has been a lobbyist in Florida.[34] He also is active in both the National Republican Senatorial Committee and the Republican Governors Association.[citation needed]
Personal life
Haridopolos is a Baptist. He currently resides in Melbourne, Florida, with his wife, Dr. Stephanie Haridopolos. They have three adult children; Alexis, Hayden, and Reagan Brooke.
Electoral history
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Mike Haridopolos | 6,155 | 47.8% | |
| Republican | Peter DiLavore | 2,176 | 16.9% | |
| Republican | John Tobia | 1,298 | 10.1% | |
| Republican | Christopher Muro | 1,219 | 9.5% | |
| Republican | Janet Simpson Bonder | 1,186 | 9.2% | |
| Republican | Mary Jane Nail | 833 | 6.5% | |
| Total votes | 12,867 | 100.00% | ||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Mike Haridopolos | 43,062 | 64.6% | |
| Democratic | Rajiv Chandra | 23,595 | 35.4% | |
| Total votes | 66,657 | 100.00% | ||
| Republican hold | ||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Mike Haridopolos (incumbent) | 11,251 | 82.4% | |
| Republican | Steve Sherbin | 2,398 | 17.6% | |
| Total votes | 13,649 | 100.00% | ||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Mike Haridopolos (incumbent) | 40,319 | 79.1% | |
| Green | Tim Doyle | 10,651 | 20.9% | |
| Total votes | 50,970 | 100.00% | ||
| Republican hold | ||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Mike Haridopolos | 13,232 | 84.1% | |
| Republican | Mary Beth Fitzgibbons | 2,499 | 15.9% | |
| Total votes | 15,731 | 100.00% | ||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Mike Haridopolos | 19,643 | 63.1% | |
| Democratic | Donna Hart | 11,498 | 36.9% | |
| Total votes | 31,141 | 100.00% | ||
| Republican hold | ||||
References
- ^ Service, Mcclatchy News. “New Senate president promises to spend less”. St. Augustine Record. Retrieved October 18, 2024.
- ^ “Former Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos Declares Candidacy for U.S. Congress”. Space Coast Daily. April 27, 2024.
- ^ a b “Former Florida Senator Mike Haridopolos (R) | LobbyTools”. public.lobbytools.com. Retrieved March 7, 2022.
- ^ Haridopolos, Michael J. (1998). 10 big issues facing our generation. Orlando, FL: Harcourt Brace Custom Publishers. ISBN 978-0-15-567778-4.
- ^ “Haridopolos planning for a conservative ‘New Senate’“. Orlando Sentinel. December 6, 2009. Retrieved March 7, 2022.
- ^ “Florida Department of State – Election Results”. results.elections.myflorida.com. Retrieved March 7, 2022.
- ^ “Florida Department of State – Election Results”. results.elections.myflorida.com. Retrieved March 7, 2022.
- ^ “Florida Department of State – Election Results”. results.elections.myflorida.com. Retrieved March 7, 2022.
- ^ “Florida Department of State – Election Results”. results.elections.myflorida.com. Retrieved March 7, 2022.
- ^ “Florida Department of State – Election Results”. results.elections.myflorida.com. Retrieved March 7, 2022.
- ^ “Florida Department of State – Election Results”. results.elections.myflorida.com. Retrieved March 7, 2022.
- ^ “Race for Congress gets crowded, heated”. Orlando Sentinel. February 2008. Retrieved March 7, 2022.
- ^ “Florida: Posey Pockets Weldon’s Blessing For Open Seat”. Roll Call. February 4, 2008. Retrieved March 7, 2022.
- ^ Cotterell, Bill (November 17, 2010). “Local News | FLORIDA TODAY”. floridatoday.com. Retrieved May 21, 2014.
- ^ Vows to work deliberately but will use supermajority (November 6, 2010). “Mike Haridopolos Lauds More Conservative Senate”. Sunshine State News. Retrieved July 6, 2012.
- ^ “Haridopolos literally adopts open-door policy in Tallahassee | floridatoday.com | FLORIDA TODAY”. Archived from the original on November 16, 2010. Retrieved March 25, 2014.
- ^ “Mike Haridopolos – Representing Florida Senate District 26”. Senatormike.com. Retrieved July 6, 2012.
- ^ Catanese, David (December 1, 2010). “For Haridopolos, Senate bid more ‘when’ than ‘if’“. Politico. Retrieved July 6, 2012.
- ^ “Mike Haridopolos for U.S. Senate 2012”. Mike2012.com. Retrieved July 6, 2012.
- ^ “Florida Republican Sen. George LeMieux mulling a 2012 bid against Sen. Bill Nelson”. The Washington Post. Archived from the original on November 14, 2010.
- ^ “Haridopolos drops out of U.S. Senate race – Central Florida Political Pulse – Orlando Sentinel”. Blogs.orlandosentinel.com. Archived from the original on October 24, 2012. Retrieved July 6, 2012.
- ^ Miller, Joshua (June 27, 2011). “Haridopolos Snags Connie Mack Endorsement in Fla. Senate Race”. Roll Call. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
- ^ Man, Anthony. “Jeff Atwater bypasses Adam Hasner, endorses Mike Haridopolos for U.S. Senate”. Sun-Sentinel.com. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
- ^ “Adam Putnam endorses Haridopolos”. POLITICO. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
- ^ “Haridopolos Drops Florida Senate Bid”. Roll Call. July 18, 2011. Retrieved March 7, 2022.
- ^ “Florida 2012 ballot measures”. Ballotpedia. Retrieved March 7, 2022.
- ^ Maxwell, Scott (April 3, 2010). “Will Florida lawmakers help imprisoned innocents? – Orlando Sentinel”. Articles.orlandosentinel.com. Retrieved July 6, 2012.
- ^ “Senate Staff Analysis and Economic Impact Statement” (PDF). Archive.flsenate.gov. Retrieved February 27, 2015.
- ^ Deslatte, Aaron. “Scott apologizes, signs bill giving William Dillon $1.35M”. OrlandoSentinel.com. Archived from the original on July 12, 2021. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
- ^ “Battle over Compensation for Eric Brody Finally Over”. Sunshine State News | Florida Political News. March 8, 2012. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
- ^ “Conventional Wisdom Right, Even in Unconventional Session”. Wctv.tv. March 12, 2012. Archived from the original on November 17, 2012. Retrieved July 6, 2012.
- ^ UPF. “The Modern Republican Party in Florida”. University Press of Florida: The Modern Republican Party in Florida. Retrieved March 7, 2022.
- ^ “Mike Haridopolos”. plaza.ufl.edu. Retrieved March 7, 2022.
- ^ “Mike Haridopolos could earn nearly $500K for Q2 lobbying fees – Florida Politics”. floridapolitics.com. August 15, 2017. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
External links
- U.S. Senate Campaign Website
- State Senate Website
- Project Vote Smart – Senator Mike Haridopolos (FL) Profile
- Follow the Money – Mike Haridopolos
