Gus Bilirakis to seek re-election to 11th term in Congress, will run in CD 12

U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis will seek a 11th term in Congress, seeking to remain in the race for the newly drawn Florida’s 12th Congressional District after Florida approved a new congressional map.

“I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished for Florida families this term, and I look forward to building on that success, which is why I’m running for re-election in 2026,” Bilirakis said. “We’ve made real progress on affordability through policies like no tax on tips and overtime, and a new senior tax deduction, but there is still more work ahead to expand opportunity and ease the burden on workers, families, seniors, and small businesses.”

First elected in 2006 succeeding father and former U.S. Rep. Mike Bilirakis, the younger Bilirakis already has key support in his race from President Donald Trump. Trump offered his support in November, calling Bilirakis a “Tremendous Champion” for the district.

“As a Senior Member of the POWERFUL House Energy and Commerce Committee, Gus is working tirelessly to Advance American Energy DOMINANCE, Create GREAT Jobs, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., and Champion our Nation’s Golden Age,” Trump wrote on Truth Social alongside a flurry of similarly worded endorsements for Republican congressional candidates across the nation.

Trump previously endorsed Bilirakis in 2024. This is now the fourth time Trump has given Bilirakis his nod.

Bilirakis has focused his congressional career on bread-and-butter issues that impact his constituents’ lives.

The Center for Effective Lawmaking in 2023 rated Bilirakis the most effective Republican member of the House among the Florida delegation. The Lugar Center, which tracks how often lawmakers work together across the aisle, scored Bilirakis as the most bipartisan member of Florida’s congressional delegation in the last Congress. He was the 27th-highest scoring member nationwide in the 435-member chamber.

“As Florida’s Most Effective Legislator, I remain committed to results-driven leadership and strong constituent service as we work to lower costs, reduce burdensome taxes and regulations, and secure a brighter, stronger future for seniors, Veterans and families throughout Florida’s 12th Congressional district and beyond,” Bilirakis said in his re-election announcement.

Bilirakis so far faces two Republicans in the GOP Primary: Samantha June and Shay Williams. However, only Williams has opened a federal elections account, where she’s raised just over $18,000, as of the end of March. Bilirakis, meanwhile, has raised more than $1 million and has more than $435,000 on hand.

Democrat Christopher Irizarry has also opened a federal account, but he also has raised just over $18,000. A no-party candidate Branden Scrivener has also filed, but has not opened a federal account.