Trump endorses Rep. Gus Bilirakis’ congressional reelection campaign

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Former President Donald Trump endorsed Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., as he seeks reelection in Florida’s 12th Congressional district.

“Congressman Gus Bilirakis is a very effective lawmaker for the people of Florida’s 12th Congressional District!” Trump said in a social media post. “America First Movement needs Leaders like Gus, who Fight to Secure the Border, Stop Illegal Immigration, and Protect and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment.”

“Gus Bilirakis was an early Endorser of our Campaign for President, and has my Complete and Total Endorsement!” he added.

Bilirakis endorsed Trump early on in the Republican presidential primary. The congressman highlighted his strong relationship with the former president during an interview on Florida’s Voice with Brendon Leslie.

“We went to Iowa and campaigned with him, and I gave a speech, impromptu speech, and he told me that I did the best. He actually had all the members, there were a few members with us from Florida, and he said I was a star,” Bilirakis said.

He also mentioned how Trump helped him with a reelection fundraiser.

“It was fantastic. I mean he spent a lot of time with us, took pictures with everyone,” the lawmaker said. “He always says, ‘gosh you never ask me for anything, you’re always asking for others.’ He always does tell me ‘think of yourself, because you are doing a great job.’”

Bilirakis entered Congress following a victory in the 2012 election. He won his sixth term in office after defeating his Democratic challenger by a 40 point difference in 2022.

He currently faces two primary challengers in his 2024 reelection.