The Space Coast’s incoming congressman, Mike Haridopolos, has been appointed to serve on two high-profile committees — the House Financial Services Committee and the House Science, Space and Technology Committee.
Haridopolos, a Republican from Indian Harbour Beach, will take office on Jan. 3, succeeding Bill Posey, R-Rockledge, who is retiring after eight two-year terms in the House.
Haridopolos won the Nov. 5 congressional election, receiving 62.25% of the vote, compared with 37.75% for his Democratic opponent, attorney Sandy Kennedy.
Haridopolos was a member of the Florida Senate from 2003 to 2012, including serving as Senate president from 2010 to 2012. He also was a member of the Florida House of Representatives from 2000 to 2003.
Here’s what Haridopolos says about his committee assignments:
“Our district is the heart of America’s space industry, and I am honored to serve on a committee that directly impacts its future,” Haridopolos said. “This is an opportunity to advocate for bold new horizons for America’s space program, strengthen public-private partnerships, and ensure that the Space Coast continues to drive innovation, job creation and economic growth for Florida and the nation.”
The 8th District that Haridopolos will represent covers all of Brevard and Indian River counties and east Orange County. It is home to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and Patrick Space Force Base, as well as operations of major commercial space industry companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin.
Haridopolos said his appointment reinforces the district’s central role in advancing America’s leadership in space exploration and technological innovation.
Haridopolos said “America’s dominance in space is vital to our national security, economic growth and technological leadership. As America prepares to return to the moon and we set our eyes on Mars, the coming years will be a watershed moment for our spaceflight industry.”
He said he is “committed to ensuring that NASA’s groundbreaking research and exploration efforts are strategically aligned with the objectives of the Space Force. By strengthening the connection between our civilian and military space programs, we can solidify America’s leadership in this critical domain, protect our interests in an increasingly competitive space environment, and inspire the next generation of innovators and explorers.”
Haridopolos said he aims to “secure America’s leadership in space, create high-quality jobs in the 8th District, and strengthen the nation’s position as a global powerhouse in technology and defense.
He said his appointment to the Science, Space and Technology Committee “ensures the continued advocacy for policies that sustain the economic vitality of the Space Coast, while driving national progress in space exploration and innovation.”
Haridopolos said, in serving on the Financial Services Committee, “I’m committed to advancing policies that encourage economic growth and capital formation, safeguard our financial systems, and ensure that our regulatory frameworks continue to protect consumers, while unleashing American innovation.”
He said he hopes to tackle everything “from affordable property insurance to fostering growth in cryptocurrency.”
“America’s greatest strength is our economy, and the Financial Services Committee plays a key role in unleashing that strength to benefit hard-working families,” Haridopolos said. “We will tackle critical financial challenges, strengthen our economy, counter bad actors like China and secure a strong financial future for American families.”
Dave Berman is business editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Berman at dberman@floridatoday.com, on X at @bydaveberman and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dave.berman.54
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