Mike Beltran
Mike Beltran | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the Florida House of Representatives from the 70th district | |
| In office November 6, 2018 – November 5, 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Jake Raburn |
| Succeeded by | Michael Owen |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 26, 1984 New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Party | Republican |
| Education | University of Pennsylvania (BA) Harvard University (JD) |
| Website | Campaign website |
Mike Beltran (born June 26, 1984) is an American attorney and politician who served in the Florida House of Representatives, representing the 70th district, which includes part of Hillsborough County. He is the Republican nominee in the 2026 election in Florida's 14th congressional district and describes himself as an ultra-conservative.[1][2]
Education and legal career
[edit]Beltran was born in New York City. He earned a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania in 2005 and a J.D. from Harvard Law School in 2008. He practiced law in the Tampa Bay area before entering politics.[3]
Political career
[edit]Florida House of Representatives
[edit]Beltran served three terms in the Florida House of Representatives, representing District 70 from November 2018 to November 2024.[4]
During his time in the Florida House of Representatives, Beltran sponsored bills to permit graduating high school students to wear the uniform of the United States Armed Forces at commencement ceremonies,[5] to establish restrictions on minors vaping in indoor public spaces and within 1,000 feet of schools,[6] and to allow parents to anonymously and safely surrender infants to hospital staff via a safe-haven law.[7]
He also sponsored an unsuccessful amendment to allow the open carrying of firearms in Florida,[8] as well as a bill banning abortion except when necessary to save the life of a pregnant minor in a medical emergency.[9]
2026 U.S. House election
[edit]On August 18, 2026, Beltran won the crowded Republican primary election in Florida's 14th congressional district. Beltran advanced to the November 3, 2026, general election to face Democratic incumbent Kathy Castor. Beltran received 45.6% of the vote, while Kevin Steele came in second place with 30.2%. The remaining six candidates each received less than 10% of the vote.[10]
Political positions
[edit]Beltran describes himself as an ultra-conservative and calls himself "MAGA Mike".[1][2] During his three terms in the Florida House, he had a fiscally conservative record and opposed abortion. He has supported Donald Trump for president since 2015 and received endorsements from pro-life and school-choice organizations during his 2026 congressional campaign.[11]
Personal life
[edit]Beltran and his wife, Hope, have two sons.[3]
References
[edit]- 1 2 Newborn, Steve (June 22, 2026). "A crowded field of Republicans is vying to unseat Democrat Kathy Castor after 20 years in Congress". WUSF (FM). Retrieved September 8, 2026.
- 1 2 Meszaros, Jessica (August 18, 2026). "Former state Rep. Mike Beltran won the Republican nomination and will face off against longtime incumbent Kathy Castor in November. Below is a full list of other results in Hillsborough County". WUSF (FM). Retrieved September 8, 2026.
- 1 2 "Mike Beltran". Ballotpedia. Retrieved July 19, 2026.
- ↑ "Mike Beltran jumps into CD 14 race to challenge Kathy Castor". Florida Politics. May 18, 2026.
- ↑ "Gov. Ron DeSantis okays military dress uniforms for high school graduations". Tampa Bay Times. May 24, 2019.
- ↑ "Florida vaping ban ready for final vote in Senate". Orlando Sentinel. March 14, 2019.
- ↑ "Mike Beltran won't seek a fourth term, opening HD 70 seat". Florida Politics. June 9, 2024.
- ↑ Perry, Mitch (March 22, 2023). "'Open Carry' measure now off the table, disappointing Second Amendment advocates". Florida Phoenix. Retrieved September 8, 2026.
- ↑ Moline, Michael (February 7, 2024). "As FL Supreme Court considers abortion amendment, Legislature might not be done on that score". Florida Phoenix. Retrieved September 8, 2026.
- ↑ "U.S. Representative – District 14 (Republican)". Florida Election Watch. Florida Division of Elections. August 18, 2026. Retrieved August 19, 2026.
- ↑ Ogles, Jacob (May 18, 2026). "Mike Beltran jumps into CD 14 race to challenge Kathy Castor". Florida Politics. Retrieved September 8, 2026.