U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis raised more than $277,000 during the first three months of 2018.

NEW PORT RICHEY – U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-New Port Richey, has collected enough signatures to qualify to be on the 2018 election ballot.

Bilirakis more than the 5,125 required petition signatures from local voters. He has also received campaign donations from more than 1,100 people, more than 95 percent of whom call Florida their home.

“With everything going on in Washington, D.C. these days, it is extremely encouraging to receive such strong support from the people here at home,” Bilirakis said. “It shows that they know me and recognize that I’m not the stereotypical politician. Their support reflects an appreciation for how hard I am working to fight for the issues they care most about.  

“Whether it is working to improve the care our Veterans receive, protect our national security, increase resources to keep our children safe at school, lower the tax burden on the middle class, preserve and enhance Medicare and Social Security for our seniors, or ease congestion on our roads, my team and I work tirelessly on the issues that make a real difference in our neighbors’ lives. It is heartening to see that my efforts are appreciated, and I look forward to spending the coming months continuing to earn the confidence of those I serve.”  

Bilirakis filed his required campaign finance report Friday(April 13), showing he raised more than $277,000 during the first three months of 2018.  

 “I am humbled by the financial support my campaign has received, despite the fact that raising money has never been my primary focus.  In fact, fundraising is the part of this process I like the least. I’ve always trusted in the belief that, if I do a good job representing my constituents, coming home every chance I get to connect with them and work with them, the voters will continue to honor me with their support,” Bilirakis added.  

Bilirakis represents Florida Congressional District 12, which includes Pasco County and parts of northern Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. A second generation Greek-American, Bilirakis was first elected to Congress in 2007. He and his wife, Eva, have raised their four boys, Michael, Teddy, Manuel and Nicholas in the district.  

Currently, Bilirakis serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee and is vice-chair of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

Bilirakis said he works in a bipartisan manner to control federal spending, create jobs for middle class Americans, lower taxes, and seeks ways to make government smaller and more efficient. He remains committed to strengthening homeland security, improving education, increasing access to quality health care, protecting veterans’ benefits, and ensuring the long-term viability of Social Security and Medicare.

Thus far, six others have announced candidacies to challenge Bilirakis. They are Democrats Chris Hunter, Stephen Perenich, Robert Tager,, Sunil Thomas, and Kimberly Walker. Angelika Purkis, who has no party affiliation, is also an announced candidate for CD 12.

The primary is Aug. 28. The general election is Nov. 6.

For information about Bilirakis, go to bilirakisforcongress.com.

Gus Bilirakis | Politics | Elections | Tampabay News

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