
Gus Michael Bilirakis
Conservative
BIOGRAPHY
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, 19+ years
Bilirakis Law Group, Senior Partner, 18 approx.
St. Petersburg College, Adjunct Professor, 14 approx
University of South Florida, Adjunct Professor, 6
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
2025-2026
100%
2023-2024
100%
2019-20
100%
2015-16
100%
2012
100%
2024
100%
2025-2026
100%
2025
100%
2025-26
100%
2025-26
100%
2025
A+
2017-18
100%, 98% (cum.)†
2024
89%
2023
87%
2024
95%, 84%†
2025
84%, 83%†
2017-18
83%
2025-2026
85%, 77%†
2025
B
2019-20
67%, 72% (cum.)†
2022
62% (cum.)†
2025-2026
|100%
2023-2024
|100%
2019-20
|100%
2015-16
|100%
2012
|100%
2024
|100%
2025-2026
|100%
2025
|100%
2025-26
|100%
2025-26
|100%
2025
|A+
2017-18
|100%, 98% (cum.)†
2024
|89%
2023
|87%
2024
|95%, 84%†
2025
|84%, 83%†
2017-18
|83%
2025-2026
|85%, 77%†
2025
|B
2019-20
|67%, 72% (cum.)†
2022
|62% (cum.)†
LIBERAL ORGANIZATIONS
2024
43%
2017-18
33%
2018
D
2021-2022
25%
2024
13%, 21%†
2024
10%, 13% (cum.)†
2024
10%, 12%†
2024
10%
2019
9%
2025
0%, 8%†
2022
6%
2023
5%
2026
2%, 5%†
2025
0%
2025-2026
0%
2026
F
2024
0%
2017-18
0%
2024
0%
2024
F
2022
F
2018
0%
2025-26
0%
2022
F
2024
0%
2024
|43%
2017-18
|33%
2018
|D
2021-2022
|25%
2024
|13%, 21%†
2024
|10%, 13% (cum.)†
2025
|0%, 8%†
2022
|6%
2023
|5%
2026
|2%, 5%†
2025-2026
|0%
2026
|F
2024
|0%
2017-18
|0%
2024
|F
2025-26
|0%
2022
|F
ENDORSEMENTS*
CONSERVATIVE (7)
National Rifle Association NRA-PVF
*Family Research Council Action PAC
Campaign for Working Families
National Right To Life
Florida Family Action
OTHER (2)
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
President Donald J. Trump
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (82)
Gus Michael Bilirakis (2026)
Local, County, and District Republican Organizations (2026)
Maggie's List (2026)
National Republican Congressional Committee Joint Campaigns (2026)
WinRed (2026)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (146)
American Grit PAC (2026)
Brad Wenstrup (2026)
BrettPac (2026)
Brian Francis Hawkins (2026)
Buckeye Liberty PAC (2026)
LIBERAL
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (2)
Robert Dold (2015)
David Jolly (2014)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (17)
National Association Of Social Workers (2026)
American Nurses Association (2025)
Motion Picture Association of America (2024)
Americans for the Arts (2023)
Food Solutions Action (2023)
OTHER INFORMATION
One of 81 Republicans who joined with Democrats to preserve $315M funding for the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), a non-profit agency with a history of bias against conservatives.
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.
Candidate's "D" grade from pro-marijuana group, National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML)
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
Human life deserves legal protection from conception until natural death.
Strongly Agree
The lives of human embryos created through artificial methods ought to be protected from purposeful destruction.
Strongly Agree
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
When the life of the mother is at risk.
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Disagree
The Comstock Act, which bans interstate transportation of abortion-inducing drugs, should be enforced.
Strongly Agree
ECONOMY
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Strongly Agree
People who can afford to pay more taxes should do so in order to provide relief for working families.
Neutral
Our tax code is already progressive, meaning those who earn more generally pay both more in taxes and a higher share of their income in federal income taxes. I believe the better approach is to reduce the tax burden for working families and all Americans while pursuing policies that encourage investment, innovation, job creation, and economic growth. A strong economy that creates good-paying jobs and allows families to keep more of what they earn is the most sustainable way to expand opportunity
The government should cut spending in order to reduce the national debt.
Strongly Agree
Washington has a spending problem, and we cannot continue adding trillions of dollars to the national debt and expecting future generations to pick up the tab. Congress must make responsible choices, eliminate wasteful and duplicative spending, and ensure taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently. I support reducing unnecessary federal spending while protecting critical commitments to our seniors, Veterans, national security, and other essential priorities. Just like families and small busines
List your top 3-5 priorities to eliminate government waste.
My priorities are to pass a Balanced Budget Amendment, which I’ve cosponsored and voted for multiple times; root out waste, fraud and abuse; eliminate duplicative and ineffective programs; streamline the federal bureaucracy; and strengthen oversight of taxpayer dollars. We must rein in Washington spending while protecting commitments to seniors, Veterans and our national security.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
To me, separation of church and state means government should neither establish nor favor a particular religion, nor should it interfere with an individual’s right to practice his or her faith. Our Constitution protects both principles. Americans should be free to worship - or not worship—according to their conscience, without government coercion or discrimination. Religious liberty is a fundamental freedom that must be respected and protected.
HEALTHCARE
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.
The closest response to my views would be: Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but no other taxpayer-funded programs are necessary. However, I do support some other government funded health programs - such as Community Health Centers. In general, I believe government should work to ensure access to affordable health options without burdensome regulations the limit choice - such as the Affordable Care Act which limits access.
The government should keep a database of people with various ongoing medical illnesses to assess the economic burden of treatment.
Strongly Disagree
I support using appropriate, anonymized health data to better understand disease prevalence, treatment costs, and the effectiveness of healthcare programs. However, I have serious concerns about the federal government maintaining a database identifying individuals based on their medical conditions. Patients’ sensitive health information and privacy must be protected while still allowing researchers and policymakers to use aggregate data to improve care and understand healthcare costs.
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 - We must put America First by prioritizing the safety, security, and economic well-being of the American people. That means strengthening American manufacturing, securing our borders and critical supply chains, supporting our military, workers and businesses, and using taxpayer dollars responsibly. Every decision in Washington should begin with one question: Is this in the best interest of the American people?
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Strongly Agree
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cybersecurity, intellectual property, and economic threats to the United States. We must protect our critical infrastructure and supply chains, safeguard American innovation, counter unfair trade practices and intellectual property theft, and maintain a strong national defense. America must remain vigilant, competitive, and prepared to confront these threats while protecting our national interests.
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
Yes. Israel is a vital strategic ally and our partnership is important to America’s national security interests. Our nations share strong democratic values and work together to combat terrorism, counter Iran and other regional threats, advance defense and intelligence cooperation, and promote stability in the Middle East. I remain committed to Israel’s right to defend itself while supporting efforts to achieve lasting peace, security, and prosperity throughout the region.
Islamic terrorism is a threat to the United States' national security.
Strongly Agree
Radical Islamic terrorism remains a serious threat to our national security. We must remain vigilant, strengthen intelligence and counterterrorism efforts, secure our borders, and work with trusted allies to prevent attacks. Our focus must be on defeating terrorists and extremist organizations that seek to harm Americans while protecting the freedoms that define our nation.
IMMIGRATION
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
America is a nation of immigrants, but we are also a nation of laws. We should welcome those who come legally, respect our laws, undergo appropriate security screening, and seek to contribute to our country. Our immigration system should prioritize national security, economic needs, and family unity while enforcing our laws and securing the border. Legal immigration strengthens America; illegal immigration undermines a fair and orderly system.
I support the existence of sanctuary cities to protect undocumented persons.
Strongly Disagree
I oppose sanctuary city policies that prevent or restrict cooperation with federal immigration authorities. State and local governments should work with federal law enforcement to uphold our nation’s immigration laws, particularly when dealing with individuals who pose a threat to public safety. We can treat people humanely while maintaining the rule of law and keeping our communities safe.
EDUCATION
I support eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and giving control back to states and communities.
Neutral
I support eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and giving control back to states and communities. I strongly believe parents, teachers, and local communities should have greater control over education decisions, rather than Washington bureaucrats. While I support reducing unnecessary federal mandates and bureaucracy, any reforms to the Department of Education should be carefully considered to ensure students, families, and taxpayers are well served and important commitments are honored.
Foreign governments should be prohibited from funding American education.
Strongly Agree
Agree — Foreign governments, particularly adversarial nations, should not be permitted to use their financial influence to shape what American students are taught or compromise our national security. We need strong transparency and accountability for foreign funding in education and safeguards that protect academic independence, American values, and sensitive research from foreign influence and exploitation.
VALUES
Attempts to physically or socially transition a child to the opposite sex constitute child abuse.
Strongly Agree
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
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
My Greek Orthodox faith is central to who I am and guides how I strive to live and serve others. I believe in God, the sanctity and dignity of every human life, the importance of family, and our responsibility to love and serve our neighbors. My faith teaches humility, compassion, forgiveness, and service to those in need. These values shape my approach to public service and remind me that we are called to be good stewards of the blessings God has given us.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
The right to vote is fundamental, and protecting the integrity of our elections is essential to maintaining public confidence in our democracy. Requiring reasonable photo identification is a commonsense safeguard to help ensure every lawful vote is protected and counted. States should also make appropriate identification readily accessible so eligible citizens are not prevented from exercising their right to vote.
EQUALITY
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
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
I support an “any and all” energy strategy to restore American energy independence. We must harness reliable domestic resources, strengthen our grid, and eliminate duplicative regulations. Energy security is national security.
ABOUT YOU
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
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
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Government has a responsibility to protect children from sexual exploitation during online activities.
Strongly Agree
Protecting children from online exploitation is a fundamental responsibility. That’s why I helped lead the bipartisan KIDS Act, which passed the House, to give parents stronger tools, protect kids from predators and harmful content, and hold Big Tech accountable. Parents should be empowered, and technology companies must do more to ensure children are safe online.
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
I strongly support the Second Amendment and the right of law-abiding Americans to keep and bear arms. We should enforce existing laws, hold criminals who misuse firearms accountable, and address violent crime without infringing upon the constitutional rights of responsible gun owners. Protecting public safety and defending our constitutional freedoms are not mutually exclusive.
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