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Joe Thelusca

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This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.
Joe Thelusca
Image of Joe Thelusca
Elections and appointments
Last election

August 20, 2024

Education

High school

Irvington High School

Bachelor's

Montclair State University, 1999

Graduate

Seton Hall University, 2017

Personal
Religion
Born Again Christian
Profession
Pastor
Contact

Joe Thelusca (Republican Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Florida's 23rd Congressional District. He lost in the Republican primary on August 20, 2024.

Thelusca completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Joe Thelusca was born in Haiti. He earned a high school diploma from Irvington High School, a bachelor's degree from Montclair State University in 1999, a graduate degree from Andrews University in 2009, and a graduate degree from Seton Hall University in 2017. His career experience includes working as a pastor, business consultant, and in public relations. Thelusca has been affiliated with the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Changing Lives, and Heritage Foundation.[1]

Elections

2024

See also: Florida's 23rd Congressional District election, 2024

Florida's 23rd Congressional District election, 2024 (August 20 Republican primary)

Florida's 23rd Congressional District election, 2024 (August 20 Democratic primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House Florida District 23

Incumbent Jared Evan Moskowitz defeated Joe Kaufman in the general election for U.S. House Florida District 23 on November 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Jared Evan Moskowitz
Jared Evan Moskowitz (D)
 
52.4
 
196,311
Image of Joe Kaufman
Joe Kaufman (R) Candidate Connection
 
47.6
 
178,006

Total votes: 374,317
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Incumbent Jared Evan Moskowitz advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Florida District 23.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Florida District 23

The following candidates ran in the Republican primary for U.S. House Florida District 23 on August 20, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Joe Kaufman
Joe Kaufman Candidate Connection
 
35.4
 
9,503
Image of Robert Weinroth
Robert Weinroth Candidate Connection
 
20.6
 
5,524
Image of Darlene Cerezo Swaffar
Darlene Cerezo Swaffar Candidate Connection
 
19.1
 
5,118
Image of Carla Spalding
Carla Spalding
 
10.6
 
2,844
Image of Joe Thelusca
Joe Thelusca Candidate Connection
 
7.2
 
1,923
Image of Gary Barve
Gary Barve
 
7.2
 
1,923

Total votes: 26,835
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Endorsements

To view Thelusca's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Thelusca in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

Joe Thelusca completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Thelusca's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

I am running for this congressional office because I am passionate about making positive changes in the lives of the residents of this district. I want to address the pressing issues that are affecting our community, such as high property insurance costs, heavy traffic, housing affordability, and homelessness. I believe that as a resident of this district, I understand the needs and concerns of the people.

What sets me apart from my opponent is my unique background and qualifications. I came to this country as a young teenager, not speaking English, and through hard work and determination, I was able to excel in school and in my career. I was elected to a local school board at a young age, making me the youngest elected official in the state. I have also worked for two Republican governors and a U.S. Republican President, which has given me valuable experience in government and politics.

In 2017, I was a White House’s finalist for the position of U.S. Ambassador to Haiti. This experience has given me insight into diplomacy and foreign relations, which will be valuable in my role as a congressman. Additionally, my background as a Black Preacher has allowed me to build strong relationships with leaders in the faith community, particularly in Black churches. I believe that I can rally strong support from minority communities and religious groups, which will be crucial in winning this election.
  • As a candidate for Congress, I believe the three most important issues facing this congressional district are the high cost of property insurance, terrible traffic, and the high cost of housing. These issues directly impact the quality of life for residents in our district and must be addressed promptly. First and foremost, the high cost of property insurance is a significant burden for homeowners in our district. I believe that implementing regulations to lower insurance premiums and increase competition among insurance providers is crucial to alleviate this issue.
  • Secondly, the terrible traffic in our district not only contributes to increased stress levels but also hinders economic growth. I plan to invest in infrastructure improvements, such as expanding public transportation options and improving roadways, to alleviate congestion and improve the overall flow of traffic.
  • Lastly, the high cost of housing is a pressing concern that must be addressed. I will work towards creating affordable housing options for our residents, including implementing rent control measures and incentivizing developers to build more affordable housing units. Friends, addressing these three critical issues requires a comprehensive approach that involves collaborating with local stakeholders and implementing strategic policies. I am committed to working tirelessly to improve the quality of life for all residents in our congressional district.
Education (K-12 and Higher Ed), Immigration (Securing our Borders), Community Engagement, Family and Marriage; Mental health illness.
David J. Byrd and my father. David Byrd has been my mentor for over twenty years. He is a brilliant public policy expert and political operatives. He's also a family man and he loves his wife, Jackie.
My dad is a man of great wisdom and discipline. My dad was a hard worker and he always did his best to provide for his family.
To be a person of highest integrity, strong moral standard, being honest.
I am a man of integrity, conviction and I am passionate about politics, the Church, and community engagement.
The primary responsibility of an elected official is to create policy and environment to allow the citizens to thrive and improve the quality of their lives. To give them a hand up, NOT handouts.
Well, I would want to leave a legacy of community transformation in my district.
As senior in high school, I got the opportunity to serve as Housing Director just for a day for the City where I lived. The school had a youth in government program and every year the city officials along with the school administrator would choose certain students to serve for ONE day as head of one of the government offices in the City. So, I was recommended by my principal to serve as Housing Director for the city for one day.
When I was in high school, I was a paperboy (deliver newspaper). I did it for four years. Then, I got a job at McDonald's and I worked there for four years while I was in college.
The Bible because it guides my life and gives me wisdom to live a great life.
I'm Proud to be an American, by Lee Greenwood
the ability to pass legislations and federal statutes which impact the entire country. Also, this body has the awesome responsibility to pass federal budget to run our federal government.
I think it's a great plus to have previous experience in public policy. One can be more effective and productive in that regards.
I believe AI (artificial intelligence) pauses great threat to our future. Secondly, China and Russia will create great challenges for the United States in the future. Also, our National debt is a major problem.
Two years go by so quick, so maybe it should be a three year term.
I believe there should be terms limits on ALL branches of government. Quite often, people tend to become complacent and too comfortable when they realize there's no expiration on their office.
Yes, I volunteer at Changing Lives, a homeless program in my district. I met a gentleman who used to be a homeless many years ago, then he got some assistance and he became self-sufficient. Then, he went to Bible School and now he is a Pastor at a church in my district.
I like the story about this woman who was an X-Rays technician, she did an X-rays on a man. After she looked at it and saw the picture of the patient's genital, then she went on to marry him. (I wonder what she saw) !
Sometimes, in order to govern and get things done for the people, it's ok to have some sort of compromise. However, as far as core principles and beliefs, no compromise there.
I will take this honorable trust by the people very seriously by make sure that I fulfill my legislative duty to the best of my ability.
I think that's something members of Congress should not take lightly. I think if there is ample evidence, then Congress should use it.
Sun Sentinel Newspaper, James Batmasian and Jack Brewer, Charlie Black.
Ways and Means committee, Intelligence committee, Foreign Affairs committee, Commerce and Education committees.
I believe the public has the right to have full access to the financial management of their government leaders. I strongly believe government officials should be held fully accountable for their fiscal duty of the public's funds.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Campaign finance summary


Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.


Joe Thelusca campaign contribution history
YearOfficeStatusContributionsExpenditures
2024* U.S. House Florida District 23Lost primary$94,647 $94,647
Grand total$94,647 $94,647
Sources: OpenSecretsFederal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete

See also


External links

Footnotes

  1. Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on July 26, 2024


Senators
Representatives
District 1
District 2
Neal Dunn (R)
District 3
District 4
District 5
District 6
District 7
District 8
District 9
District 10
District 11
District 12
District 13
Anna Luna (R)
District 14
District 15
District 16
District 17
District 18
District 19
District 20
District 21
District 22
District 23
District 24
District 25
District 26
District 27
District 28
Republican Party (22)
Democratic Party (8)