Gus Bilirakis
Gus Michael Bilirakis (born
February 8,
1963), was first elected to the
Florida House of Representatives in 1998
[ Florida House of Representatives Members web page.]. He is currently the Republican frontrunner
[Gus Bilirakis campaign web site] in the race for the state's
Ninth Congressional District to replace his father,
Mike Bilirakis, who is not running for re-election after 23 years in
Congress.
Bilirakis grew up in
Tarpon Springs, Florida, as the second-generation son of Greek immigrants. His grandfather opened a bakery in that town. At an early age, Bilirakis began working at his family's bakery. He attended Tampa Bay area public schools and continued to work in his grandfather's bakery while growing up.
Bilirakis graduated from
Tarpon Springs High School and
St. Petersburg Junior College. He then attended the
University of Florida, where he graduated in 1986 with a bachelor's degree in political science. He received his law degree from the
Stetson University College of Law in 1989.
Bilirakis has a
Tampa Bay area law practice, the Bilirakis Law Group, specializing in probate and estate planning, which he took over from his father. He has helped run his father's campaigns for the past 23 years.
Bilirakis was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 1998 when he won the District 48 seat held for 10 years by Representative Sandy Safley, R-Clearwater, who decided not to run again. This district covers most of north Pinellas County and part of Pasco County.
Bilirakis is expected to easily win the Republican primary on September 5, 2006. In November, he will face Democrat Phyllis Busansky. The race is expected to be close.
