Gus Michael Bilirakis

Gus Bilirakis, a Republican, has represented the Ninth Congressional District of Florida in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2007.

Environmental record
For more information on environmental legislation, see the Energy and Environment Policy Portal

Biography
Bilirakis was born on February 8, 1963 in Gainesville, Florida. He is the second-generation son of Greek immigrants. He attended Tampa Bay area public schools and continued to work in his grandfather's bakery while growing up.

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 elections
In 2006, Bilirakis sought the congressional seat left vacant by his father, Rep. Mike Bilirakis (R-Fla.). He won the Republican primary on September 5, 2006, with 82% of the vote. In the general election, he faced Democrat Phyllis Busansky.

Bilirakis' declined to debate Busansky in a televised dabate sponsored by the Hillsborough County League of Women Voters in early October. 

Bilirakis defeated Busanky 56% to 44%. .

Money in politics
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Committees and Affiliations

 * House Committee on Homeland Security
 * Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism
 * Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection
 * House Committee on Veterans' Affairs
 * Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs

Resources

 * Gus Bilirakis for Congress

Articles

 * Robin Stein, "Bilirakis hides from spotlight," St. Petersburg Times, October 13, 2006.