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Representative in Congress, District 12

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Unbiased view on

Gus Michael Bilirakis

Currently represents District 12

Kimberly Overman

3 candidates. Listed as they appear on the ballot.

Gus Michael Bilirakis

Kimberly Overman

Gus Michael Bilirakis

Kimberly Overman

Branden Scrivener

Position on major issues

A Florida son with a record of service. Gus Bilirakis is a husband, father, attorney, and son with deep roots to this community. He grew up in the Tampa Bay area, watched his father Mike serve this same community in Congress, and has served the people of this region by quietly building one of the most effective records in the U.S. House.

As a senior member of the Energy & Commerce Committee and a veteran legislator with deep relationships across the aisle, Gus has been repeatedly named one of Florida's Most Effective Lawmakers, a ranking earned by counting bills passed and dollars delivered, not cable-TV hits.

Party:

Currently represents District 12

Photo of Kimberly Overman

Kimberly Overman

Kimberly Overman is a candidate running for the U.S. House of Representatives to represent Florida's 12th Congressional District. Overman is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and economist with over 30 years of small business management and financial advisory experience. She holds a B.S. in Agricultural and Resource Economics from the University of Maryland.

Campaigning as a practical problem solver under a people-first banner, Overman leverages her economic and local government background to focus heavily on regional cost-of-living concerns.

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Party:
Photo of Branden Scrivener

Branden Scrivener

Branden Scrivener is a working-class father of two with a bachelor’s degree in human services and experience in social services and healthcare. Witnessing the challenges vulnerable communities face—particularly within the insurance system—convinced him that lasting change requires confronting ineffective government policies and taking an active role in reform.

Party:

3 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

Abortion and reproductive policy

No public position found.

Kimberly trusts people to make their own healthcare decisions. She will fight to restore and protect the right to abortion and access to reproductive care—because these decisions belong to individuals, not politicians

Healthcare isn’t a luxury—it’s a right. Kimberly will work to expand access to care, lower prescription costs, and defend reproductive rights and mental health services.

No public position found.

No public positions found.

Agriculture and rural policy

Official statement

Infrastructure Congressman Bilirakis believes infrastructure is an area where there is a real opportunity to build bipartisan consensus, but not if leaders in the House and Senate insist on using the budget reconciliation process and avoid compromise. Read full quote

Official record

Voted Yes on Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act of 2025

Jun 23, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

Cosponsored Florida Freeze Disaster Assistance Act of 2026

Jun 2, 2026 · Source: Congress.gov

+16 more

No public position found.

No public position found.

No public positions found.

Artificial intelligence

The Take It Down Act, signed into law, going after predators using AI to victimize kids. Working to empower parents with greater tools to keep kids safe online.

Gus secured the wall to choke off the cartels driving human and drug trafficking, passed the Take It Down Act to give law enforcement new tools against AI-generated child sexual abuse material, and brought $3 million in school-safety funding to districts in the new CD 12 footprint this year.

Official record

Cosponsored AI OVERWATCH Act

Jul 16, 2026 · Source: Congress.gov

+2 more

No public position found.

Overdevelopment is an issue here in Florida. We must maintain our communities while expanding in ways residents actually want. No AI data centers paid for by Floridians. We need to expand public transportation to reduce traffic and provide an alternative to the expensive auto insurance industry.

No public positions found.

Civil rights and freedoms

Official statement

As a former member of the House Committee on Foreign affairs and current member of the Caucus on International Religious Freedom, Congressman Bilirakis’ desire to support our allies, protect religious freedom, and prevent attacks from our enemies have kept him apprised of major world events.

+12 more

She believes in building a Florida where LGBTQ+ residents can live, work, and raise families free from discrimination, and where their rights are protected rather than treated as a political bargaining chip.

No public position found.

No public positions found.

Criminal justice and policing

Standing with Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco's law-enforcement-first approach.

The Take It Down Act, signed into law, going after predators using AI to victimize kids. Working to empower parents with greater tools to keep kids safe online.

Official record

Voted Yes on National Fraud Enforcement Division Act of 2026

Sep 16, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

+103 more

Safe communities start with smart investments. Kimberly supports balanced public safety policies that combine law enforcement with prevention, youth programs, and mental health care.

Kimberly supports public safety policies that work: strong law enforcement paired with investments in mental health services, youth engagement, and community-led crime prevention. She knows safety comes from both accountability and opportunity.

No public position found.

No public positions found.

Economy, jobs and wages

Official statement

President Trump followed actions taken in the House and issued an executive order to repeal two regulations for each regulation an agency creates. Read full quote

Official statement

Tax Reform The economic success our country experienced just a few short years ago was triggered by historic tax reform signed into law in December of 2017. Read full quote

Official statement

Working in a bipartisan manner, his main priorities include controlling government spending, creating jobs for middle class Americans, finding ways for government to operate smaller and smarter, and lowering taxes. Read full quote

+157 more

Kimberly knows what it’s like to juggle bills and worry about rent. In Congress, she’ll fight for real solutions to rising costs, including affordable housing, infrastructure investment, and fair wages.

She led during the COVID-19 pandemic, championing emergency support for small businesses, childcare providers, and vulnerable residents. She pushed for expanded public health programs, affordable housing initiatives, and more equitable infrastructure investment.

Cost of living has skyrocketed and continues to rise. We need to change fundamentals rather than only addressing the symptoms. The interest of working class Americans must be prioritized over those of foreign nations or corporate capital.

No public positions found.

Education

$3M in school-safety funding for Pasco County Schools this year.

Official statement

While education is primarily an issue that is governed by individual state legislatures, the Congressman has been supportive of the federal government's role in ensuring equity for students from low socio-economic backgrounds and for those students with special needs. Read full quote

Official statement

Congressman Bilirakis has been a long-time proponent of the public education system, both in the Florida Legislature and now in Congress.

+53 more

Every child deserves a strong start. Kimberly will fight for fully funded public schools, better teacher pay, and pathways to college, trade careers, and lifelong learning.

Kimberly believes public education is the foundation of opportunity. She will advocate for stronger investments in schools, competitive teacher pay, and expanded access to early childhood education, vocational training, and higher education that prepares students for good-paying jobs.

We have shifted our focus to develop Charter and other 3rd party school systems over public education. I believe in parent choice, the problem stems from where that choice funding comes from. Funding for public education should not be diverted to these programs. Teachers need to be supported and valued.

We must take steps to ensure our children are not harmed while attending school.

No public positions found.

Elections and voting

Official record

Cosponsored Make Elections Great Again Act

Jan 30, 2026 · Source: Congress.gov

Cosponsored Campaign and Election Accountability Act

Jan 21, 2026 · Source: Congress.gov

Cosponsored Honest Elections and Campaign, No Gain Act

Jul 29, 2025 · Source: Congress.gov

+3 more

Kimberly is committed to protecting voting rights, restoring trust in government, and making sure everyday people—not lobbyists—have a seat at the table.

I will advocate for open primaries to allow all voters to participate in the election process. In Pasco County, there are more registered independents than Democrats. That means there’s a significant portion of eligible voters unable to participate in FL primaries.

No public positions found.

Energy

Official statement

Florida families have been struggling with rising costs of fuel. Read full quote

Official statement

Congressman Bilirakis firmly supports an "all of the above" energy strategy that includes increasing domestic production, providing incentives for the development of renewable resources, and promoting conservation. Read full quote

Official statement

Unfortunately, this Administration is moving in the wrong direction when it comes to energy production. Read full quote

+77 more

No public position found.

No public position found.

No public positions found.

Environment and climate

Official statement

The Congressman wants clean air, clean water, and environmental protection; but as he explains below, those things do not have to be achieved at the expense of jobs, prosperity, and national security. Read full quote

Official statement

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is the primary underwriter of flood insurance. Read full quote

Official statement

Unfortunately, this Administration is moving in the wrong direction when it comes to energy production. Read full quote

+116 more

For Florida families, climate change isn’t abstract – it shows up in flooding, rising insurance costs, water quality, and extreme heat. Read full quote

No public position found.

No public positions found.

Families and social services

Official record

Voted Yes on Removing Barriers to Work for Disabled Americans Act

Jul 23, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

Voted Yes on Stop Child Care Scams Act of 2026

Jun 3, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

Sponsored Commission on Sustaining Medicare and Social Security Act of 2026

Jun 2, 2026 · Source: Congress.gov

+20 more

No public position found.

No public position found.

No public positions found.

Firearms policy

No public position found.

No public position found.

No public position found.

No public positions found.

Government reform

Official statement

Our nation is threatened by a debt crisis that has been caused by unrestrained federal deficits that if unchecked, will threaten economic prosperity and job growth. Read full quote

Official statement

Infrastructure Congressman Bilirakis believes infrastructure is an area where there is a real opportunity to build bipartisan consensus, but not if leaders in the House and Senate insist on using the budget reconciliation process and avoid compromise. Read full quote

+24 more

No public position found.

All political offices need strict term limits. I believe 8 years is sufficient for the House. Someone serving a decade long appointment will lose touch as they are not living in the conditions in which they create.

We should continue to engage, build, and platform the next generation of thinkers. Congress needs to be uncapped to meet the growing population and create equal representation. We have had 435 Representatives for the last 100 years.

Campaign Finance law needs to be reworked to prevent unlimited corporate spending, and create clear transparency & accountability.

+1 more

No public positions found.

Healthcare

Gus secured $2 million to expand mental-health services at FQHCs, brought federal funding to open Vincent House Pasco for those battling mental illness, secured funding for a one-stop behavioral-health hub in Pasco, extended telehealth for seniors through the EASE Act, and expanded the types of licensed therapists who can participate in Medicare.

Gus is leading the fight to expand the federal newborn-screening panel (two new conditions were added at HHS this year) and he secured the reauthorization of the Pediatric Cancer Voucher to fast-track new treatments for sick kids. He also delivered the longest reauthorization of KidCare in the program's history.

Official statement

In the 113th Congressman Bilirakis joined the Energy and Commerce Committee. Part of his Committee assignment includes serving on the Health Subcommittee, with jurisdiction over Medicare, Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act – better known as Obamacare – and the rest of the American health care system.

+250 more

Kimberly has seen firsthand how medical bills can destabilize families. She will work to lower prescription drug costs, expand coverage—especially mental health care—and protect access to reproductive services. No one should have to choose between seeing a doctor and paying their rent.

Healthcare isn’t a luxury—it’s a right. Kimberly will work to expand access to care, lower prescription costs, and defend reproductive rights and mental health services.

She led during the COVID-19 pandemic, championing emergency support for small businesses, childcare providers, and vulnerable residents. She pushed for expanded public health programs, affordable housing initiatives, and more equitable infrastructure investment.

No public position found.

No public positions found.

Housing

Official statement

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is the primary underwriter of flood insurance. Read full quote

Gus filed the Homeowners Premium Tax Reduction Act, an above-the-line $10,000 tax deduction on homeowners insurance premiums for a primary residence, and is fighting for an Anclote River Basin study to attack the flooding driving repetitive-loss premiums in the first place.

Taking on skyrocketing homeowners insurance with the Homeowners Premium Tax Reduction Act, up to a $10,000 above-the-line deduction. Fighting for affordable housing so families can afford to stay in the homes and neighborhoods they love. $6,000 senior tax exemption locked in under the new tax law.

+6 more

In Congress, she’ll fight for increased investment in affordable housing, expanded transportation options, and stronger support for working families and small businesses. She believes housing, transit, and child care are essential infrastructure—and should be treated as such.

Kimberly knows what it’s like to juggle bills and worry about rent. In Congress, she’ll fight for real solutions to rising costs, including affordable housing, infrastructure investment, and fair wages.

She led during the COVID-19 pandemic, championing emergency support for small businesses, childcare providers, and vulnerable residents. She pushed for expanded public health programs, affordable housing initiatives, and more equitable infrastructure investment.

No public position found.

No public positions found.

Immigration

Official statement

Congressman Bilirakis strongly opposes illegal immigration but, as a grandchild of Greek immigrants, he recognizes the cultural, intellectual, and economic benefit of legal, law-abiding immigrants.

Securing the southern border to choke off cartels driving fentanyl into our communities.

Official statement

Congressman Bilirakis does not support amnesty or allowing those who have broken our nation's immigration laws to begin a path to citizenship. Read full quote

+54 more

No public position found.

No public position found.

No public positions found.

Infrastructure and transportation

Official statement

Ridge Road The Congressman is relieved that the Ridge Road project was finally permitted and has opened. Read full quote

Gus secured $585 million in federal disaster-recovery funding for Pasco County, usable for direct hurricane relief and for the long-term infrastructure work needed to fortify the county against the next storm.

$585M in federal disaster-recovery dollars flowing into Pasco County after Helene & Milton.

+32 more

Kimberly knows what it’s like to juggle bills and worry about rent. In Congress, she’ll fight for real solutions to rising costs, including affordable housing, infrastructure investment, and fair wages.

She led during the COVID-19 pandemic, championing emergency support for small businesses, childcare providers, and vulnerable residents. She pushed for expanded public health programs, affordable housing initiatives, and more equitable infrastructure investment.

No public position found.

No public positions found.

Local control

No public positions found.

National security and foreign policy

Official statement

Despite the budgetary and fiscal climate, it is imperative the security and long-term success of the country is not sacrificed through arbitrary cuts to the military's budget. Read full quote

Official statement

In the Constitution, Congress is tasked with the responsibility to raise and support our country’s national defense. Congressman Bilirakis is proud to support our nation’s women and men in uniform and understands the important role Congress plays in protecting the freedoms of our democracy.

Official statement

Congressman Bilirakis believes it is his duty to provide the resources that the military and law enforcement experts deem necessary in order to keep our country safe from those who wish to do us harm. Read full quote

+274 more

No public position found.

No public position found.

No public positions found.

Social Security and retirement

Official statement

Representative Bilirakis strongly believes that Congress must make serious fiscal reforms to ensure our financial stability while still ensuring that we uphold the commitments we have made to our seniors. Read full quote

Co-sponsored legislation to eliminate taxes on Social Security.

Official statement

A great deal of misinformation circulated about tax reform. Read full quote

+3 more

No public position found.

No public position found.

No public positions found.

Taxes and government spending

Official statement

Congressman Bilirakis supports reforming the tax code, which will eliminate a barrier to economic growth for everyone.

Official statement

A Balanced Budget Amendment would restrain the unchecked growth in federal spending and force the American government to live within its means, just as families and businesses must do. Read full quote

Co-sponsored legislation to eliminate taxes on Social Security.

+124 more

No public position found.

No public position found.

No public positions found.

Technology and privacy

The Take It Down Act, signed into law, going after predators using AI to victimize kids. Working to empower parents with greater tools to keep kids safe online.

Gus secured the wall to choke off the cartels driving human and drug trafficking, passed the Take It Down Act to give law enforcement new tools against AI-generated child sexual abuse material, and brought $3 million in school-safety funding to districts in the new CD 12 footprint this year.

Official statement

Infrastructure Congressman Bilirakis believes infrastructure is an area where there is a real opportunity to build bipartisan consensus, but not if leaders in the House and Senate insist on using the budget reconciliation process and avoid compromise. Read full quote

+55 more

No public position found.

Your data should be protected and required to be accessed by the government with the use of a warrant. They should not be able to buy your consumer data on the market to create their own lists and data.

Overdevelopment is an issue here in Florida. We must maintain our communities while expanding in ways residents actually want. No AI data centers paid for by Floridians. We need to expand public transportation to reduce traffic and provide an alternative to the expensive auto insurance industry.

No public positions found.

Veterans

Official statement

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. Read full quote

Official statement

Congressman Bilirakis believes it is his duty to provide the resources that the military and law enforcement experts deem necessary in order to keep our country safe from those who wish to do us harm. Read full quote

$4 million for Moffitt Cancer Center and nearly $6 million for cancer research at USF in Hillsborough County. $2M to expand mental-health services at Federally Qualified Health Centers. Read full quote

+60 more

Florida’s 12th is home to thousands of veterans. Kimberly will ensure they receive the benefits, healthcare, and respect they’ve earned.

With over 45,000 veterans and active-duty personnel in the district, Kimberly knows our service members deserve more than just symbolic support. She’ll fight to improve access to VA care, mental health services, job training, and transitional support for returning veterans.

No public position found.

No public positions found.

Animals and wildlife

+8 more

No public position found.

No public position found.

No public positions found.

Emergency management

Official statement

Infrastructure Congressman Bilirakis believes infrastructure is an area where there is a real opportunity to build bipartisan consensus, but not if leaders in the House and Senate insist on using the budget reconciliation process and avoid compromise. Read full quote

Official record

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

+23 more

No public position found.

No public position found.

No public positions found.

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