Politics
Gus Bilirakis wins 11th term in Congress, defeating Kimberly Overman in CD 12
Republican U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis won an 11th term representing Florida’s 12th Congressional District on Tuesday, defeating former Democratic Hillsborough County Commissioner Kimberly Overman after redistricting weakened the GOP’s advantage.
Bilirakis received 149,740 votes, or 53%, compared with 129,774 votes, or 46%, cast for Overman. No-party candidate Branden Scrivener received 1% of the vote.
The victory extends Bilirakis’ nearly 20-year tenure in Congress and preserves Republican control of a district Democrats hoped to make competitive.
Republican lawmakers’ effort to weaken neighboring Florida’s 14th Congressional District, held by Democratic U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, also reshaped surrounding districts, including CD 12.
Lawmakers removed Citrus and Hernando counties from Bilirakis’ district and added part of Hillsborough County, reducing its Republican advantage. Under the revised boundaries, about 57% of voters would have supported President Donald Trump in 2024, compared with roughly 67% under the previous map.
Bilirakis was first elected in 2006, succeeding his father, former Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Bilirakis, who represented the Tampa Bay region for 24 years.
Raised in Tarpon Springs, Bilirakis earned a law degree from Stetson University and worked as a lawyer before serving in the Florida House from 1998 to 2006.
He serves as Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade Subcommittee and sits on its Health and Communications and Technology subcommittees. His office credits him with authoring 78 provisions signed into law.
Bilirakis advocated for tax-code reform to promote economic growth and fiscal reforms that protect Social Security and Medicare. He also emphasized his efforts to preserve the National Flood Insurance Program, warning that a lapse in coverage could harm Florida’s housing market and economy.
His campaign secured endorsements from Trump, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco and Hillsborough County Commissioner Joshua Wostal, who defeated Overman in her 2022 re-election bid.
Overman served on the Hillsborough County Commission from 2018 to 2022, including a term as Chair. A former Certified Financial Planner and small business owner, her campaign leaned into her work on housing, transportation and economic development during her time in county government.
She originally entered the congressional race to challenge Republican U.S. Rep. Laurel Lee in Florida’s 15th Congressional District but shifted to CD 12 after the Legislature approved the new boundaries.
Overman secured the Democratic nomination in August, defeating Darren McAuley with about 53% of the vote despite being outspent. McAuley later endorsed her campaign.
Overman made affordability a focal issue for her campaign, advocating for expanded affordable housing, public transportation and childcare assistance. She also supported lowering prescription drug prices, expanding healthcare coverage and protecting Social Security and Medicare.
She also supported restoring abortion rights and investing in flood mitigation, drainage improvements and environmental protections, arguing that inadequate infrastructure drives up insurance premiums and household costs.
Her campaign drew endorsements from End Citizens United, Brady PAC, National Security Leaders for America and Voices & Votes.
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