Gus Michael Bilirakis
Republican | Florida
Candidate Profile*
Conservative
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Gus Michael Bilirakis
Party
Republican
Election Year
2024
Election
General
Race
U.S. Rep., Dist. 12
Incumbent
Yes
Links
EDUCATION
Stetson Law School, Gulfport, JD, 1989
University of Florida, Gainesville, BA, 1986
Tarpon High School, Tarpon Springs, HS, 1982
WORK & MILITARY
U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman, 17+ years
Bilirakis Law Group, Senior Partner, 18 approx.
St. Petersburg College, Adjunct Professor, 12 approx
University of South Florida, Adjunct Professor, 4
AFFILIATIONS
Greek Orthodox Church, Archon ( Preserving Mother Church), International Rotary
Honorary Member, Greek Children's Fund, Honorary Member
VFW Auxillary, Honorary Member, International Religious Freedom Caucus
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
United States Congressman, 17+
State Representative, 8
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
N/A
SCORECARDS
CONSERVATIVE ORGANIZATIONS
LIBERAL ORGANIZATIONS
ENDORSEMENTS*
CONSERVATIVE (10)
National Rifle Association (NRA) PVF
Campaign for Working Families
National Right To Life
Florida Right to Life PAC
*National Republican Congressional Committee
OTHER (2)
Pro-Israel America
*ABC Florida East Coast
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (1)
President Trump, Chairman Jim Jordan, Rep. Matt Gaetz, Rep. Byron Donalds, Rep. Anna Paulina-Luna
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (81)
Alison Esposito (2024)
Brian Jack (2024)
Derek Merrin (2024)
Derrick Anderson (2024)
Joe McGraw (2024)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (124)
Blaise Ingoglia (2024)
Electing Majority Making Effective Republicans (2024)
Florida Transportation Builders Association (2024)
Gabe Evans (2024)
Jim Jordan (2024)
LIBERAL
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (1)
Robert Dold (2015)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (12)
American Nurses Association (2023)
Americans for the Arts (2023)
National Association of Letter Carriers (2022)
George M. & Judith Marcus (2018)
International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (2017)
OTHER INFORMATION
Candidate's "D" grade from pro-marijuana group, National
Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML)
This candidate voted for H.R. 485, the Protecting Care for All Patients Act, which would prohibit federal health programs from using discriminatory measures known as Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALYs.) A vote for the bill is a pro-life position that indicates opposition to reducing or eliminating care for people with various disabilities and chronic conditions.
One of 149 House Republicans who voted for H.R. 3746, the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, which suspended the nation's debt limit through January 1, 2025. A vote for H.R. 3746 allows the government to spend without limitation for 19 months at an expected cost of $4 trillion.
This candidate voted against HR 8404 repealing the Defense of Marriage Act. This vote indicates the candidate holds a position that supports traditional marriage.
Voted yes on H.R. 4350, which would require women to register in the Selective Service.
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Agree
Chemical abortion drugs should meet essential safety standards (such as in-person consultation with a medical doctor) and require reporting to gather evidence on reactions and outcomes.
Strongly Agree
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
None
Does the federal government have a role to play in limiting abortion, and if so what federal steps and/or federal legislation would you support?
I am unapologetically pro-life, and my voting record is reflective of my unwavering support for pro-life policies. I am also a staunch supporter of state’s rights. I believe the Dobbs ruling correctly left the issue of abortion in the hands of each state. However, I would be supportive of federal legislation to establish a minimum standard for all states to protect life at 15 weeks unless the mother’s life is in danger. It is an outrage that some states allow abortion up to, and even after, birth. Infanticide must be outlawed.
ECONOMY
What actions would you take that would allow Americans to retain more of their income and wealth?
We have to cut reckless spending, pass a balanced budget amendment, extend the Trump Tax cuts, and restore American energy independence as high energy costs have also driven up food costs.
Student loan forgiveness unfairly shifts the financial burden to those not responsible for student debt.
Strongly Agree
Should environmental and social issues, like ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ratings, be used as criteria in deciding where to invest public monies?
No
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
The federal government should not be infringing on the rights of religious institutions or interfere with a citizen's ability to exercise his/her sincerely held religious beliefs.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
HEALTHCARE
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
I do not support vaccine mandates.
What most closely matches your view on healthcare: A) Healthcare for all should be guaranteed and funded by the government with no private healthcare option. (includes "universal healthcare," "medicare for all," etc.) B) Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options. C) Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but no other taxpayer-funded programs are necessary. D) Taxpayer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be defunded.
C. Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but no other taxpayer-funded programs are necessary.
NATIONAL SECURITY
With regard to America's foreign policy, which view most closely resembles yours: A) The United States should intervene whenever freedom is threatened. B) The United States should selectively help countries trying to grow democracy and fight tyranny. C) The United States has become too involved in others' policies and should remain focused on issues regarding our own sovereignty unless in imminent danger. D) The United States should stay out of foreign conflicts completely.
C. The US has become too involved in others' policies and should remain focused on issues regarding our own sovereignty unless in imminent danger.
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Strongly Agree
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
Yes, Israel is our most streadfast and strategic ally in the Middle East. They are fighting this war against terrorism and the spread of radical Islamic, anti-American fundamentalists who pose a serious threat to our national security.
What are the causes of decline in U.S. military recruitment and retention?
This Administration's relentless focus on DEI and other liberal, woke views coupled with its weak leadership (including the disastrous withdraw from Afghanistan that left behind Americans, allies and assets) has undermined these important goals and hurt morale among the troops. The Administration also has been cutting our own national defense while heavily investing in places, like Ukraine, with no end-game or strategic plan. Lack of vision with clear outcomes is another deterrent.
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
This is the single most pressing national security concern facing our nation. I’m a proud supporter of the Secure our Border Act– it contains historic measures that would beef up border security and force the Biden Administration to enforce the rule of law. Additionally, it would: restart border wall construction, increase the number of border patrol officers, end catch and release, require transparency, & strengthen and streamline the asylum process by reinstating the Remain in Mexico policy
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
People who have respected the rule of law and participated in the legal process should be allowed to immigrate to the US. Priority should be given to those with a special or unique skill that is in high demand here in the US without chain migration.
EDUCATION
I support school choice, including voucher programs, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools.
Strongly Agree
Parents should be empowered to make decisions about how to best meet their child's individual needs.
I support eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and giving control back to states and communities.
Strongly Agree
I support state's rights in determining how best to meet the needs of their students.
VALUES
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.
Strongly Agree
Children are the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected from abuse, including gender ideology, grooming, and bodily mutilation.
Strongly Agree
Taxpayer funds should be used to provide gender transition services.
Strongly Disagree
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
My Christian faith guides my work in Washington as it is the foundation of who I am and the way I view the world. As Co-Chair of the International Religious Freedom Caucus, I strongly believe that we have an obligation to speak out against religious persecution that is happening around the world and to remain a beacon of hope and light for others.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
I support the ACE Act, which respects the Constitutional directive that dicatates states must oversee their elections process but provides some minimum standards by which all states must comply - including voter id and prohibiting ballot harvesting.
The Electoral College should be abolished.
Strongly Disagree
EQUALITY
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Disagree
Biological males should not be allowed to participate in women's sports or occupy biological women's spaces whether it be bathrooms, locker rooms, sorority houses, women's shelters, or prison.
Strongly Agree
The actions of this Administration have eroded protections for women and are inherently unfair.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Man-made climate change is a global threat and requires urgent political action.
Strongly Disagree
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
I support an "all of the above" strategy when it comes to restoring American energy independence. The government should not be picking winners and losers, but rather should remove unnecessary bureaucratic barriers that hamper innovation.
ABOUT YOU
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and religious liberty, which of the following best describes you overall?
Very Conservative
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
To provide for the common welfare of its citizenry and ensure our national defense.
Have you ever been penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court? If so, please explain.
NO
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.
NO
JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY
The Supreme Court should be reformed to include more seats.
Strongly Disagree
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
I support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs.
Strongly Disagree
We must always back the Blue!
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
Restricting the rights of law abiding citizens does not improve public safety. We need to enforce the laws on the books and prohibit government infringement on all Constitutionally-protected rights - including the right to bear arms under the 2nd Amendment.
