Republican Gus M. Bilirakis is seeking an 11th term representing Florida's 12th Congressional District in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. The redrawn district covers Pasco County and now includes parts of Hillsborough County.

Bilirakis, who has held the seat since 2007, faces Democrat Kimberly Overman and Branden Scrivener, who is registered with No Party Preference, according to BallotReady election data.

Under the new mid-decade redistricting map, about 57% of voters in CD 12 cast a ballot for Donald Trump in 2024, compared to 67% under the old lines, Florida Politics reported.

Candidate information

  • Full name: Gus Michael Bilirakis
  • Party: Republican
  • Date of birth: Feb. 8, 1963, in Gainesville, Florida
  • Residence: Palm Harbor, Florida
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in political science, University of Florida (1986); juris doctor, Stetson University (1989)
  • Family: Married to Eva Lialios since 1991; four children

Bilirakis grew up in Tarpon Springs, the grandson of Greek immigrants. His grandfather owned a local bakery where Bilirakis worked from a young age, according to his Wikipedia biography.

He graduated from Tarpon Springs High School and attended St. Petersburg Junior College before transferring to the University of Florida.

Experience and public service

Bilirakis is the son of former U.S. Rep. Michael Bilirakis, who served Florida's 9th Congressional District from 1983 to 2007. Gus succeeded his father in 2007.

Before entering Congress, Bilirakis served as a state representative in the Florida House from 1998 to 2006. He chaired several panels there, including Crime Prevention, Public Safety Appropriations, and the Economic Development, Trade, and Banking Committee. He also operated the Bilirakis Law Group, specializing in probate and estate planning, and was an intern for President Ronald Reagan.

In Congress, Bilirakis chairs the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. He is a member of the Republican Party's Whip Team and chairs the Veterans' Affairs Task Force for the Republican Policy Committee. He co-chairs the Congressional Military Veterans Caucus and the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues.

His congressional office says he has had 78 provisions he authored signed into law. The Center for Effective Lawmaking at Vanderbilt University designated him the 31st most effective lawmaker in Congress.

The Lugar Center scored him as the most bipartisan member of Florida's congressional delegation in the last Congress and the 27th-highest scoring member nationwide, according to Florida Politics.

On the issues

Bilirakis listed his top priorities in an interview with WUSF. They include "Lowering the cost of living; homeowners and flood insurance affordability; mental health and addiction; children's health and rare disease; public safety, school safety and the border, and supporting the Trump agenda."

Cost of living: Bilirakis said on his campaign website that he delivered a new $6,000 senior tax exemption and championed no tax on tips and no tax on overtime. He said he continues to push affordability legislation including ending taxation on Social Security, lowering prescription drug costs for seniors and a new homeowners insurance deduction.

Energy: Bilirakis said he embraces an "all of the above" energy strategy and supports cleaner fuel sources. He said America cannot transition to emerging technologies overnight. He said he believes the country must protect consumers while embracing long-term strategies that maintain America's lead in carbon emission reduction and keep energy costs low.

Border security: Bilirakis said he has supported funding for the creation and expansion of a border wall through multiple budget cycles.

Veterans: Bilirakis said his priorities include eliminating unnecessary delays in travel pay reimbursement, accessing community care and benefit claim processing. He also said he wants to improve the quality of base housing for military families and expand veteran dental care.

Endorsements

Bilirakis has been endorsed by the following, according to Florida Politics reporting:

  • Donald Trump, president of the United States. Trump called Bilirakis a "Tremendous Champion" for the district. This is the fourth time Trump has endorsed Bilirakis.
  • Josh Wostal, Hillsborough County Commission. Wostal praised Bilirakis' record of constituent service, fiscal responsibility, accessibility and conservative leadership.