Full Breakdown
Joe Strada, HVAC Mogul, Targets Florida’s 11th District Seat
By Drooid · · How we work
Campaign for Congress
Republican businessman Joe Strada is running for the U.S. House in Florida’s 11th congressional district, with the general election scheduled in three weeks. If elected, he would likely become the wealthiest member ever to serve in the House. Strada’s opponent is Democrat James Pericola, a former Clinton-administration official.
Business Background and Trade-School Initiative
Strada began his career repairing equipment in a bowling-alley maintenance shop before founding an HVAC, electrical and plumbing firm that now employs roughly 4,000 workers across 13 states. A labor shortage prompted the company to create its own training program, which Strada says enabled the firm’s expansion. He argues that trade careers offer a viable alternative to costly four-year degrees, noting that new hires can earn a wage from day one without incurring the typical $250,000 student-loan burden. Strada also contends that many Americans receiving government assistance could fill these jobs if given the opportunity and training.
Policy Focus and Legislative Goals
Strada has said he wants a “business-mind-ed” voice in Washington to cut what he describes as burdensome regulations that affect families and small businesses. He proposes the SAVE Act, which he hopes to attach his name to, and calls for federal support of trade schools comparable to funding for Ivy-League universities. According to Strada, current higher-education spending produces graduates he deems “unhirable” and, in some cases, hostile to America, whereas trade-school graduates would better meet labor-market needs.
Election Outlook
The race will be decided in the upcoming general election, where Strada will face Pericola. Both candidates are expected to continue campaigning on their respective visions for the district in the weeks leading up to the vote.
