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Mike Haridopolos

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Mike Haridopolos
Image of Mike Haridopolos

Candidate, U.S. House Florida District 8

U.S. House Florida District 8
Tenure

2025 - Present

Term ends

2027

Years in position

0

Predecessor
Prior offices
Florida House of Representatives

Florida State Senate District 26

Compensation

Base salary

$174,000

Elections and appointments
Last elected

November 5, 2024

Next election

November 3, 2026

Education

Bachelor's

Stetson University, 1992

Graduate

University of Arkansas, 1993

Ph.D

University of Arkansas, 1999

Personal
Profession
College professor
Contact

Mike Haridopolos (Republican Party) is a member of the U.S. House, representing Florida's 8th Congressional District. He assumed office on January 3, 2025. His current term ends on January 3, 2027.

Haridopolos (Republican Party) is running for re-election to the U.S. House to represent Florida's 8th Congressional District. He declared candidacy for the 2026 election.

Biography

Haridopolos earned his B.A. from Stetson University in 1992, his M.A. from the University of Arkansas in 1993, and his Ph.D. from the University of Arkansas in 1999. His professional experience includes working as an author and college professor.

Committee assignments

U.S. House

2025-2026

Haridopolos was assigned to the following committees:[Source]

Elections

2026

See also: Florida's 8th Congressional District election, 2026

Note: At this time, Ballotpedia is combining all declared candidates for this election into one list under a general election heading. As primary election dates are published, this information will be updated to separate general election candidates from primary candidates as appropriate.

General election

The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.

General election for U.S. House Florida District 8

Incumbent Mike Haridopolos and Paul Dellinger are running in the general election for U.S. House Florida District 8 on November 3, 2026.


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Endorsements

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2024

See also: Florida's 8th Congressional District election, 2024

Florida's 8th Congressional District election, 2024 (August 20 Republican primary)

Florida's 8th Congressional District election, 2024 (August 20 Democratic primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House Florida District 8

Mike Haridopolos defeated Sandy Kennedy in the general election for U.S. House Florida District 8 on November 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Mike Haridopolos
Mike Haridopolos (R)
 
62.2
 
280,352
Image of Sandy Kennedy
Sandy Kennedy (D) Candidate Connection
 
37.8
 
170,096

Total votes: 450,448
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Florida District 8

Sandy Kennedy defeated Daniel McDow in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Florida District 8 on August 20, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Sandy Kennedy
Sandy Kennedy Candidate Connection
 
60.7
 
24,701
Image of Daniel McDow
Daniel McDow Candidate Connection
 
39.3
 
15,999

Total votes: 40,700
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Florida District 8

Mike Haridopolos defeated John Hearton and Joseph Babits in the Republican primary for U.S. House Florida District 8 on August 20, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Mike Haridopolos
Mike Haridopolos
 
72.1
 
61,710
Image of John Hearton
John Hearton Candidate Connection
 
21.7
 
18,604
Image of Joseph Babits
Joseph Babits
 
6.1
 
5,250

Total votes: 85,564
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Endorsements

Haridopolos received the following endorsements.

Pledges

Haridopolos signed the following pledges.

  • U.S. Term Limits

2012

Haridopolos did not seek re-election in 2012.[1]

2011

U.S. Senate race

On July 19, Haridopolos announced that he was dropping out of the race for a seat in the U.S. Senate. He noted that instead of running for office, he would be re-dedicating himself to finishing the job he was sent to do in Florida.

In a quote by the Florida Times Union, Haridopolos said, "It became increasingly clear to me and those around me that the responsibilities I was managing on both fronts were in conflict. I truly believed I could handle both jobs. But I was wrong."[2]

As of late July, fund-raising totals indicated Haridopolos raised 900,000, second to former U.S. Senator George LeMieux who raised $950,000. Former State House majority leader Adam Hasner was third with $560,000.[3]

2010

See also: Florida State Senate elections, 2010

Haridopolos won re-election to the 26th District seat in 2010. He was unopposed in the November 2, 2010 general election.[4]

2006

On November 7, 2006, Haridopolos won re-election to the Florida Senate from Florida's 26th Senate district. Haridopolos ran unopposed in the election. He raised $345,946 for his campaign.[5]

Campaign themes

2026

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

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Who fills out Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey?

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You can ask Mike Haridopolos to fill out this survey by using the buttons below or emailing mike@senatormike.com.

Twitter
Email

2024

Mike Haridopolos did not complete Ballotpedia's 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

Campaign website

Haridopolos' campaign website stated the following:

ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION

Mike’s top priority is to address the catastrophic crisis at our southern border. The Biden Border Crisis has allowed record numbers of illegal immigrants and deadly drugs to pour across the southern border. Under Biden, over 7 million illegals have entered our nation illegally and it must stop.

Mike led the fight to defeat a measure in the Florida legislature to allow illegals to obtain a driver’s license. We must be a nation of laws and secure the border.

FIX OUR ECONOMY

Joe Biden’s economy is crushing our families. Out-of-control inflation, higher taxes, and reckless spending are putting the American Dream out of reach for millions of Americans. It’s time to make the American economy work for our families once again.

Mike understands that burdensome federal and state regulations and mandates stifle economic growth and job creation. Mike will stand against federal mandates that hurt small businesses. We must reform the broken tax code in Washington and protect the Trump Tax Cuts from expiring.

We must reduce gas prices and the best way to do so is to return to the Trump policies that made America energy independent. Low energy prices are the key to economic growth, and it will in turn reduce out-of-control inflation. I support an “All of the Above” approach to American energy.

INDIAN RIVER LAGOON

Mike has lived in Brevard County since 1989 and raised his family along the Lagoon and that is why it’s so important for us to work together to care for our environment. Our quality of life, economy, tourism, property values, and the survival of many indigenous species of plant and wildlife will depend on our efforts. Advancing common sense ideas that protect our Lagoon and preserve our natural beauty is important to Mike.

The National Estuary Program (NEP) was created by Congress in 1987 to protect and restore the water quality and ecological integrity of estuaries of national significance. Mike will vote to sustain the NEP program to help maintain our nation’s environmental treasures like the Indian River Lagoon. Plus, Mike will join the bi-partisan Congressional Estuary Caucus created by Bill Posey to help solve the growing problem in our 28 estuaries across the nation.

SPACE

Space exploration generates high-paying jobs here in District 8. Space is key to American technological innovation as well as our national security. Space is the ultimate military high ground. Free nations worldwide are looking to the U.S. to lead the world in space, and if we fail to do so, others – namely China and Russia – will fill that void, and threaten our economic and national security interests.

CRIME & PUBLIC SAFETY

As the son of a law enforcement agent, Mike knows the challenges our men and women in uniform face each day. Mike will always “Back the Blue” and is grateful for the support of the Sheriffs of both Brevard and Indian River Counties.

Additionally, Mike has always been a staunch defender of our Second Amendment rights, carrying an A rating from the NRA from his service in the Florida Legislature. Mike will protect our right to bear arms in Congress.

THE MILITARY & VETERANS

Mike’s son serves in the United States Air Force. Our military preserves our freedom every day. We must back them with the best technology available to keep evil at bay and ensure a strong national defense.

Our veterans deserve the best care as well for their service to our nation. Unfortunately, the system too often lets our veterans down. Mike will fight each day to make sure our veterans get the top-notch care they deserve.

TERM LIMITS

Mike believes in term limits. Florida is proof that term limits work. Florida is the epicenter of conservative reforms where citizens serve and then return to the private sector. Mike signed the U.S. Term Limits pledge and will vote for all term limits measures in office.

HEALTHCARE

United States leads the world in medical innovation and our healthcare system should reflect that excellence. In Congress, Mike will champion solutions that provide affordable, patient-centered healthcare. Obamacare represents a dangerous step toward government-controlled, single-payer healthcare, which undermines the free market.

To bring down healthcare costs, we need to empower individuals with tax benefits. Additionally, we must restore the original function of the Commerce Clause by legalizing the purchase of health insurance across state lines. Allowing for state reciprocity would enhance patient freedom, driving competition and lowering costs. Mike will advocate for block grants to states, enabling them to design and implement healthcare solutions that fit the needs of their residents, free from federal overreach. These reforms will cut through bureaucratic red tape, empower patients, and ensure healthcare is affordable and accessible to all Americans.

NATIONAL DEBT

Our national debt is now more than $34 trillion and is growing each day. Social Security and Medicare, programs seniors paid for during their working years are in jeopardy of going bankrupt if we don’t act. Mike will fight the Democrats’ reckless tax and spending agenda to preserve and protect these vital programs for our future generations. As President of the Senate, Mike faced a $4B budget shortfall. He found common-sense solutions to cut government spending and balance the budget. He will do the same in Washington and sponsor a Constitutional Amendment to balance the budget.

WEAPONIZATION OF JUSTICE

In Joe Biden’s America, there is one system of lawlessness for his friends and allies and a weaponization against his perceived enemies. Mike is honored to have the endorsement of patriots like Congressman Jim Jordan and will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with him to end the weaponization of our justice system.[6]

—Mike Haridopolos' campaign website (2024)[7]

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.


Mike Haridopolos campaign contribution history
YearOfficeStatusContributionsExpenditures
2026* U.S. House Florida District 8Candidacy Declared general$635,489 $302,273
2024* U.S. House Florida District 8Won general$1,759,341 $1,501,178
Grand total$2,394,830 $1,803,451
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

Notable endorsements

See also: Ballotpedia: Our approach to covering endorsements

This section displays endorsements this individual made in elections within Ballotpedia's coverage scope.

Notable candidate endorsements by Mike Haridopolos
EndorseeElectionStageOutcome
Chandler Langevin  source  (Nonpartisan) Palm Bay City Council Seat 3 (2024) Primary, General
Mitt Romney  source  (R) President of the United States (2012) PrimaryLost General

Noteworthy events

Presidential preference

2012

See also: Endorsements by state officials of presidential candidates in the 2012 election

Mike Haridopolos endorsed Mitt Romney in the 2012 presidential election.[8]

Personal

Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
Haridopolos and his wife, Stephanie Bressan, have two children.

State legislative tenure

Committee assignments

2009-2010

See also


External links

Footnotes

Political offices
Preceded by
Bill Posey (R)
U.S. House Florida District 8
2025-Present
Succeeded by
-
Preceded by
-
Florida State Senate District 26
2003-2012
Succeeded by
-
Preceded by
-
Florida House of Representatives
2000-2003
Succeeded by
-


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)