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Representative in Congress, District 14

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Mike Beltran

Kathy Castor

Currently represents District 14

5 candidates. Listed as they appear on the ballot.

Mike Beltran

Kathy Castor

Mike Beltran

Kathy Castor

Brian Lambert

Salomon Hernandez Sr.

Keith Varian

Position on major issues

Photo of Kathy Castor

Kathy Castor

Kathy Castor is an American lawyer and politician currently serving as the incumbent U.S. Representative for Florida's 14th Congressional District. Facing the toughest re-election matchup of her career due to the new district boundaries shifting the territory entirely into Hillsborough County, Castor campaigns on her extensive legislative record and relationship-driven constituent advocacy.

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Party:

Currently represents District 14

Photo of Brian Lambert

Brian Lambert

Brian Lambert served 20 years in the U.S. Navy in aviation, engineering, and intelligence roles. After retiring in 2018, he focused on raising his children, coaching youth baseball, studying culinary arts and firearms technology, and promoting motorcycle safety. He is running for Congress to restore constitutional government, protect individual liberty, and return power to the American people.

Party:
Photo of Keith Varian

Keith Varian

Varian is a construction tradesman. Born in Albany, New York, he attended college for Criminal Justice with a minor in economics, paying his way by working night shifts at KeyCorp before later working a stint at Lockheed Martin. Varian campaigns as an independent outsider, emphasizing that because he answers only to the voters of District 14 rather than party bosses or wealthy donors, he can focus purely on pragmatic community welfare.

Party:

Write-in candidate

5 candidates. Listed as they appear on the ballot.

We share more ground than you might expect

Common Ground

Common Ground shows where candidates agree, no matter their party.

Thinking for yourself matters

Position on major issues

Position on major issues

Position on major issues

Position on major issues

Position on major issues

Abortion and reproductive policy

Mike has always fought to protect life. He believes Dobbs was correctly decided and that states, not Washington bureaucrats, judges, or politicians, should set their own policies that include exceptions for rape, incest, and the life of the mother.

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Agriculture and rural policy

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Official record

Cosponsored Land Grant Research Prioritization Act of 2026

Jul 14, 2026 · Source: Congress.gov

Cosponsored Specialty CROP Act of 2026

Jul 2, 2026 · Source: Congress.gov

Voted Yes on Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act of 2025

Jun 23, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

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Artificial intelligence

Lobbyists in Washington shouldn't be making decisions that belong to Hillsborough County. Mike will fight to ensure no data center is built in our community without local approval and a guarantee it won't raise your energy bills or harm our environment. Our community's future should be decided here, not in DC.

Official statement

Floridians already are dealing with sky-high electric bills. Read full quote

Official statement

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) today expressed strong opposition to data centers in Hillsborough County in a letter to the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners.

Official record

Cosponsored Reverse Big Ugly Tax Breaks for Data Centers Act

Sep 16, 2026 · Source: Congress.gov

+3 more

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Civil rights and freedoms

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Protect the freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights and defend individual choice.

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Criminal justice and policing

Our police officers and first responders put themselves on the line every day to keep Tampa Bay safe. Mike stands firmly behind law enforcement and will oppose any effort to defund, undermine, or politicize the men and women who protect our communities.

Official record

Voted Yes on National Fraud Enforcement Division Act of 2026

Sep 16, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

Voted Yes on GUARD Act

Sep 15, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

Voted Yes on Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act

Aug 31, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

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Economy, jobs and wages

Government shouldn't stand between hardworking people and a good career. Mike eliminated red tape that blocked qualified workers from starting jobs and small businesses from growing. In Congress, he'll fight to reduce the regulations that raise costs and limit opportunity for Tampa Bay families and businesses.

In just six years as a state legislator, Mike helped deliver the largest tax cut in Florida history, putting money back in the pockets of Tampa Bay families dealing with historic inflation. Read full quote

She stands up to grow the middle class and boost small business owners, guaranteeing that everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. Read full quote

Kathy Castor will continue to fight for a diverse and strong Tampa Bay economy that keeps costs for families in check, keeps health care and energy affordable, and protects our way of life.

Official record

Did not vote on Retire through Ownership Act

Sep 16, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

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💼 Pillar 1: Good-Paying Jobs We are going to cut through red tape to attract new industries to our area. By bringing in employers who pay wages that actually keep pace with real-world prices, we ensure your paycheck can cover more than just the bare minimum.

Everything is getting too expensive—from groceries and gas to rent and utilities. Read full quote

🛡️ Pillar 3: Lowering Your Daily Costs We are fighting to lower the baseline cost of living for every working family in our district. Our plan cracks down on local corporate price gouging, slashes wasteful spending, and delivers immediate relief to your wallet.

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Education

Parents know what is best for their children. Mike championed school choice in Tallahassee, giving families the freedom to choose the school and education that works for them. He'll bring that fight to Washington and stand against any effort to cut parents out of decisions about their children's education and values.

Official record

Voted Yes on Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act of 2026

Sep 3, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

Voted No on No Aid for Ghost Students Act of 2026

Jun 10, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

Voted No on Stopping Indoctrination and Protecting Kids Act

May 20, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

+64 more

Education is not one-size-fits-all. Empower parents, support teachers, and give every child the opportunity to succeed.

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My Vision & Solutions: "Education should be an escalator to opportunity, not a treadmill of debt. Read full quote

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Elections and voting

Our elections should be the cleanest and most secure in the entire world. Read full quote

Ban Congressional Stock Trading Public service should not create opportunities for personal financial gain. Read full quote

Official record

Cosponsored Designating September 2026 as "National Voting Rights Month".

Sep 15, 2026 · Source: Congress.gov

Cosponsored Get Foreign Money Out of United States Elections Act

Jul 22, 2026 · Source: Congress.gov

Sponsored Honest Elections and Campaign, No Gain Act

Jul 29, 2025 · Source: Congress.gov

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Restore confidence through transparency, accountability, and secure elections.

Every eligible citizen should be able to vote, and every legal vote should be counted accurately.

Election processes should be open, observable, and accountable to the public.

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And finally, with cooperation from Independents* I would adopt a 4-step Plan: Empower Individual Members: Reduce the power of committee chairs and party leadership to stifle legislation, allowing for more open amendments and floor debate. Read full quote

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Energy

Lobbyists in Washington shouldn't be making decisions that belong to Hillsborough County. Mike will fight to ensure no data center is built in our community without local approval and a guarantee it won't raise your energy bills or harm our environment. Our community's future should be decided here, not in DC.

Official statement

So that no U.S. region or territory ever again experiences 100 percent power loss, as a member of the House Energy & Commerce Committee, Castor has pressed for robust electric generation, grid modernization and resiliency policies.

Official statement

The Tampa Bay Area is transforming thanks to historic legislation, federal investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act and Community Project Funding I champion in the Congress.

Official statement

No Drilling U.S. Rep. Castor has introduced legislation to keep oil drilling away from Florida throughout her tenure in Congress, including the bipartisan Protecting and Securing Florida's Coastline Act. Read full quote

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Reliable, affordable energy strengthens our economy, protects national security, and reduces dependence on foreign adversaries.

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✊ OUR DEMAND: THE 80/20 RISK-SHARING LAW We are petitioning the Florida Public Service Commission to force TECO's corporate shareholders to absorb at least 20% of uncollected fuel spike deficits out of their own profit margins. If they share the financial pain, they will stop gambling on volatile fossil fuels. 👉

🚧 Pillar 2: Strong Infrastructure We will focus heavily on road repairs, reliable water systems, and modern power grids. Fixing our infrastructure prevents costly breakdowns, stops utility monopolies from hiking your monthly rates, and makes our community a magnet for new investments.

3."Fuel the Build" Infrastructure: His infrastructure plan focuses on high-quality, resilient construction—building roads and power grids that are designed to last for generations and withstand environmental challenges.

+4 more

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Environment and climate

Lobbyists in Washington shouldn't be making decisions that belong to Hillsborough County. Mike will fight to ensure no data center is built in our community without local approval and a guarantee it won't raise your energy bills or harm our environment. Our community's future should be decided here, not in DC.

Throughout her early legal career and as a Hillsborough County Commissioner, Castor has worked to enforce environmental and growth management laws that protect wetlands, Florida’s coastline, and sensitive lands.

Official statement

As Chair of the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, Castor is dedicated to solutions that protect our communities from the climate crisis, while we cut the carbon pollution that is causing the climate to change in the first place.

Official statement

No Drilling U.S. Rep. Castor has introduced legislation to keep oil drilling away from Florida throughout her tenure in Congress, including the bipartisan Protecting and Securing Florida's Coastline Act. Read full quote

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The Goal: Smart infrastructure and resilience. "A community is only as strong as what’s underneath it. Whether it's our roads, our power grid, or our environment, I’m focused on building resilient systems that can weather any storm. We need infrastructure that serves us today and protects our children’s tomorrow."

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Families and social services

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Official record

Voted No on Removing Barriers to Work for Disabled Americans Act

Jul 23, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

Voted No on Stop Child Care Scams Act of 2026

Jun 3, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

Voted Yes on Clergy Act

Apr 27, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

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2.4 Million people will lose SNAP Benefits beginning March 1,2026 (in an average month until 2034.) Read full quote

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Firearms policy

Mike has a perfect pro-gun record. No red flag laws, no magazine bans, no compromise. The Second Amendment is absolute and Mike will fight to keep it that way in Congress.

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Protect the right to keep and bear arms and defend the Constitution without compromise.

Protect Free Speech Americans should never fear government punishment for speaking their minds or challenging those in power. Read full quote

Free speech, privacy, property rights, due process, religious liberty, and the right to keep and bear arms are not optional. They are protected by the Constitution and must be defended without apology.

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Government reform

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Official record

Voted Yes on LACA

Aug 31, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

Voted Yes on Putting Patients First by Strengthening Provider Accountability in FECA Act

Jul 20, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

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Respect Separation of Powers No branch of government should be allowed to exceed its constitutional role. Limit Federal Overreach Federal agencies should not exercise powers never granted by the Constitution. Return Power to the People Government should remain closest to the people whenever possible.

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The Goal: Government transparency and justice. Read full quote

4.Transparency & Accountability: Through the FL-14 Transparency Task Force, he aims to hold government officials to the same standards as citizens, ensuring tax dollars are spent effectively and ethically.

Bureaucracy is where good ideas go to die. Read full quote

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Healthcare

Tampa Bay families shouldn't have to drive an hour or take a day off work to see a doctor. Read full quote

In just six years, Mike helped deliver the largest tax cut in Florida history, putting money back in the pockets of Tampa Bay families dealing with historic inflation, expanded healthcare access to pave the way for lower costs on prescription drugs and new hospitals and clinics across Florida, while preserving our rights and values.

In just six years as a state legislator, Mike helped deliver the largest tax cut in Florida history, putting money back in the pockets of Tampa Bay families dealing with historic inflation. Read full quote

Official statement

Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, people with Medicare Part D drug coverage now pay nothing out-of-pocket for even more vaccines and will experience a price cap of $35/month on insulin. Read full quote

Official statement

She helped to draft the landmark Affordable Care Act that passed in 2010, and she has worked tirelessly against weakening new patient protections, especially for neighbors with pre-existing conditions, and educating neighbors about health insurance enrollment in the new marketplace exchange. Read full quote

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In 2022, Castor cosponsored the Honoring Our PACT Act to authorize VA health care to more than 3.5 million veterans exposed to burn pits and establish a presumption of service connection for over 23 respiratory illnesses and cancers. Read full quote

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Restore patient choice, medical freedom, price transparency, and competition while reducing unnecessary federal interference in healthcare.

When the VA cannot provide timely treatment, veterans should have access to care in their own communities.

PTSD, suicide prevention, and mental health treatment must be treated with urgency and seriousness.

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The current system thrives on your confusion. Read full quote

My Vision & Solutions: "We need a healthcare system that prioritizes patient well-being and financial stability, not just profits. Read full quote

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Housing

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Official record

Voted Yes on Whistleblower Protection Act of 2025

Sep 15, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

Cosponsored Yes in God's Backyard Act

Sep 14, 2026 · Source: Congress.gov

Sponsored Housing Price Transparency Act

Aug 17, 2026 · Source: Congress.gov

+16 more

Protect Privacy and Property Americans have the right to be secure in their homes, property, personal data, and private lives. Oppose Government Overreach Personal decisions should remain with individuals and families, not federal bureaucrats.

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Everything is getting too expensive—from groceries and gas to rent and utilities. Read full quote

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Immigration

Mike stands 100% with President Trump on immigration. We need to finish the wall, deport the criminals and fraudsters, and restore law and order at our southern border. Florida's families deserve security, not an open-border disaster.

Official statement

In addition, over the years, Castor has united Tampa Bay behind immigration solutions, including the American Dream and Promise Act. Read full quote

Official record

Cosponsored TPS Review Act

Jul 23, 2026 · Source: Congress.gov

Voted No on Secure America Act

Jun 9, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

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Secure every border and port of entry while supporting legal immigration and the rule of law.

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Infrastructure and transportation

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Official statement

So that no U.S. region or territory ever again experiences 100 percent power loss, as a member of the House Energy & Commerce Committee, Castor has pressed for robust electric generation, grid modernization and resiliency policies.

She worked to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and led bipartisan bills to improve healthcare for our nation’s sickest kids, including by expanding access to life-saving treatments for cancer and other rare diseases.

Official statement

The Tampa Bay Area is transforming thanks to historic legislation, federal investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act and Community Project Funding I champion in the Congress.

+34 more

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The "obvious" approach to infrastructure is a one-time photo op for a new bridge while the rest of our foundation rots. Read full quote

🚧 Pillar 2: Strong Infrastructure We will focus heavily on road repairs, reliable water systems, and modern power grids. Fixing our infrastructure prevents costly breakdowns, stops utility monopolies from hiking your monthly rates, and makes our community a magnet for new investments.

3."Fuel the Build" Infrastructure: His infrastructure plan focuses on high-quality, resilient construction—building roads and power grids that are designed to last for generations and withstand environmental challenges.

+1 more

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Local control

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Official statement

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) today expressed strong opposition to data centers in Hillsborough County in a letter to the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners.

+3 more

Defend the Constitution. Protect individual liberty. Limit federal overreach.

Election administration should remain consistent with the Constitution and the role of the states.

Respect Separation of Powers No branch of government should be allowed to exceed its constitutional role. Limit Federal Overreach Federal agencies should not exercise powers never granted by the Constitution. Return Power to the People Government should remain closest to the people whenever possible.

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Bureaucracy is where good ideas go to die. Read full quote

Our community’s wealth is being siphoned away by outside interests. Read full quote

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National security and foreign policy

The men and women who served this country earned every benefit and every right they were promised. Mike will fight to ensure our veterans receive the care, resources, and respect they deserve. He supports a strong national defense and a military that is focused on protecting America, not advancing political agendas.

Official statement

She is a co-chair of the bipartisan Cuba Working Group and the lead Democrat on a bill to end the embargo.

Official statement

Castor continues to work on improving human rights and fostering better economic opportunities in Cuba and in the United States.

Official statement

Castor is also dedicated to improving the lives of Cuban Americans. She successfully advocated to ease travel and spending restrictions on Cuban-Americans visiting relatives in Cuba.

+163 more

Peace through strength, constitutional accountability, and unwavering support for our troops.

Fiscal Responsibility Washington doesn't have a revenue problem—it has a spending problem. Read full quote

Brian Lambert advocates strict fiscal responsibility: balancing the federal budget, reducing the national debt, ending deficit spending and inflationary money creation, auditing federal agencies, eliminating unconstitutional bureaucracies, holding Congress accountable, and protecting future generations from excessive debt.

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Social Security and retirement

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Official statement

“Every trip to the grocery store and every monthly bill is increasingly painful for my older neighbors. The added strain of higher prescription drug costs is the last thing they need, so I will fight to reverse a recent HHS scheme to increase Medicare prescription drug costs for seniors and people with disabilities,”

Official statement

“The Affordable Premiums for Seniors Act will reverse the HHS scheme, keep premiums down and provide greater certainty on health care costs. Seniors worked hard for their earned Medicare benefits, and I am fighting to keep those benefits affordable and dependable.”

Brian Lambert advocates strict fiscal responsibility: balancing the federal budget, reducing the national debt, ending deficit spending and inflationary money creation, auditing federal agencies, eliminating unconstitutional bureaucracies, holding Congress accountable, and protecting future generations from excessive debt.

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2.Social Security Solvency: A primary goal is ensuring Social Security remains solvent by identifying and reducing government waste while increasing revenue streams that do not involve cutting benefits for seniors.

I remember my history teacher telling me in 1985, that the Social Security Trust Fund could be depleted by 2035. She said this in ...1985 I didnt worry about it, a Half century is a laughably long amount of time to fix that, especially with the talented, brilliant people who’ve walked those hallowed halls.

Protect the Promise: In 2026, average monthly Social Security benefits rose to $2,071, yet they only replace about 40% of pre-retirement income. Read full quote

+3 more

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Taxes and government spending

While Joe Biden and Kathy Castor spent trillions and stuck families with the bill, Mike was delivering real relief: tax holidays on gas and everyday purchases, and the largest tax cut in Florida history. Read full quote

Kathy Castor has had nearly two decades to fight for this community. Read full quote

In just six years, Mike helped deliver the largest tax cut in Florida history, putting money back in the pockets of Tampa Bay families dealing with historic inflation, expanded healthcare access to pave the way for lower costs on prescription drugs and new hospitals and clinics across Florida, while preserving our rights and values.

+1 more

Official record

Voted Yes on Tax Relief for Fraud Victims Act

Sep 15, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

Voted Yes on Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2027

Sep 1, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

+110 more

Washington does not have a revenue problem—it has a spending problem. I will fight for balanced budgets, honest accounting, and an end to reckless spending that leaves our children with the bill.

Lower taxes. Responsible spending. End government waste.

Restore fiscal discipline, balance the budget, and protect future generations from crushing debt.

+3 more

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1. Fiscal Responsibility & Inflation: Varian advocates forending "out of control" government spending to curb inflation. He believes that prudent fiscal management is essential to keep local prices stable for everyone, especially those on fixed incomes.

My Vision & Solutions: "While the federal deficit is a national issue, its consequences are felt in every community. Read full quote

🛡️ Pillar 3: Lowering Your Daily Costs We are fighting to lower the baseline cost of living for every working family in our district. Our plan cracks down on local corporate price gouging, slashes wasteful spending, and delivers immediate relief to your wallet.

+7 more

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Technology and privacy

Lobbyists in Washington shouldn't be making decisions that belong to Hillsborough County. Mike will fight to ensure no data center is built in our community without local approval and a guarantee it won't raise your energy bills or harm our environment. Our community's future should be decided here, not in DC.

Official statement

Floridians already are dealing with sky-high electric bills. Read full quote

Official statement

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) today expressed strong opposition to data centers in Hillsborough County in a letter to the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners.

Official record

Cosponsored Reverse Big Ugly Tax Breaks for Data Centers Act

Sep 16, 2026 · Source: Congress.gov

+49 more

Free speech, privacy, property rights, due process, religious liberty, and the right to keep and bear arms are not optional. They are protected by the Constitution and must be defended without apology.

Protect Privacy and Property Americans have the right to be secure in their homes, property, personal data, and private lives. Oppose Government Overreach Personal decisions should remain with individuals and families, not federal bureaucrats.

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Veterans

The men and women who served this country earned every benefit and every right they were promised. Mike will fight to ensure our veterans receive the care, resources, and respect they deserve. He supports a strong national defense and a military that is focused on protecting America, not advancing political agendas.

Official statement

I am proud to have voted for the Historic PACT Act to ensure our service members get the critical health care benefits they have earned and deserve.

Official statement

Veterans whose post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits have been delayed can receive emergency payments, up to $3,000, at the St. Petersburg VA Regional Office. Read full quote

Official statement

To help ensure the veterans in her district receive the benefits and care they have earned, Rep. Castor regularly holds roundtable discussions with veterans and veterans-related nonprofits to address challenges and maximize collaboration.

+42 more

Veterans earned their benefits through service and sacrifice. I will fight for greater choice, less bureaucracy, real accountability, and care that puts the veteran first.

America must keep its promises to the men and women who served.

Benefits earned through military service should never be treated as political bargaining chips.

+6 more

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Animals and wildlife

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Official record

Voted No on Northeast Lobsterman Protection Act of 2026

Sep 1, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

Cosponsored Better CARE for Animals Act of 2025

Dec 18, 2025 · Source: Congress.gov

Cosponsored Puppy Protection Act of 2025

Dec 18, 2025 · Source: Congress.gov

+14 more

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Emergency management

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Official record

Cosponsored Post-Disaster Protection Act

Aug 13, 2026 · Source: Congress.gov

Voted Yes on Weatherizing Infrastructure in the North and Terrorism Emergency Readiness Act of 2025

Jul 13, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

Voted Yes on TRUE Accountability Act

Jun 8, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

+19 more

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Values and beliefs

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