Col. Darren McAuley

Even after more than 400 combat flight hours, there’s still nothing like being up in the air. But more importantly, I hope our new ad sheds light on what happens when one family holds a congressional seat for more than four decades. Gus Bilirakis has turned his back on everyday Floridians, choosing instead to side with the corporate donors he’s cozied up to over nearly 20 years in Washington. He voted to cut Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. He voted for reckless tariffs and the disastrous war in Iran that are driving up prices — all while voting for tax giveaways to the richest corporations in America. Tampa Bay deserves better.

If Trump wins, it’s a fair election. If he loses, there was fraud. Does he realize the election he’s talking about happened under his watch as President? The only reason Trump is bringing this up now is to distract from the fact he’s failed to make Americans' lives better.

“Darren McAuley says you can see the destruction from U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis’ policies from the sky. In his first television ad, the Tampa Democrat takes to the air to both demonstrate his own background as an aviator and to criticize the Republican incumbent he aims to unseat this Fall.”

Career politicians like my nepo baby opponent have become so focused on staying in power and serving their corporate donors that they’ve turned their backs on the American people. I’m taking on the 40-year Bilirakis dynasty because enough is enough. It’s time to get Washington working for the people again.

“For his first campaign ad against longtime GOP Rep. Gus Bilirakis, Democrat Darren McAuley took to the skies.”

I’m proud to be taking on nepo baby Congressman Gus Bilirakis and the corporate donors he represents. It’s time to end the corruption and get Washington working for the people again.

.@DarrenForFL McAuley takes to sky in TV ad to survey Gus @BilirakisForFL's policy 'damage' Reporting by @JacobOgles #FlaPol flapol.com/4pmGf5S

I’m not a politician. I’m a father, veteran, and doctor who saw something deeply wrong with the direction of our politics and decided to do something about it. It’s time to end the corruption in Washington and get Congress working for the people again—not for billionaire donors and special interests. 🎥: @baynews9

'Exceptional commitment': @PeteButtigieg endorses @DarrenForFL McAuley's bid to unseat Gus @BilirakisForFL Reporting by @JacobOgles #FlaPol flapol.com/4aK0e8N

I’m running because I couldn’t sit by while Floridians pay more for health care, housing, groceries, and utilities as politicians in Washington do nothing. @PeteButtigieg’s endorsement is another clear sign that we’re building the momentum we need to take on my D.C. establishment opponent and win. Join our fight at DarrenForFlorida.com

I’m proud to have @PeteButtigieg standing with us in this fight! Pete is a fellow veteran who understands that public service is about solving problems, not serving yourself. Florida’s families and seniors are being squeezed by rising costs while corrupt politicians and lobbyists enrich themselves. I’m running because I couldn’t sit by while Floridians pay more for health care, housing, groceries, and utilities as politicians in Washington do nothing. Pete’s endorsement is another clear sign that we’re building the momentum we need to take on my D.C. establishment opponent and win.

I hope everyone had a safe and happy Fourth of July! We started the morning marching in the Lutz Fourth of July Parade, then hosted a lunch for local veterans with @A_Vindman and wrapped up the day by stopping by VFW Post 10140. As we celebrated 250 years of our nation’s history, I was reminded that what makes America truly great is its people—neighbors who show up for one another, veterans who have put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms, and communities across the country that come together to celebrate the values that unite us. I’ll be sharing more photos throughout the week, but here are a few from a great day spent with friends, family and fellow patriots. 🇺🇸

.@CaptMarkKelly offers stellar support to @DarrenForFL McAuley, @BaleDaltonFL in efforts to flip Florida seats Reporting by @JacobOgles #FlaPol flapol.com/4eZz2Ep

I’m incredibly proud to have the endorsement of U.S. Senator @CaptMarkKelly! Sen. Kelly is a true American patriot who has dedicated his life to serving our country, and it’s an honor to have him standing with us in this fight.

Floridians are fed up with the status quo. Costs keep rising, D.C. politicians are more corrupt than ever, and the same family has held this seat for almost 40 years. These numbers reflect what I hear every day from voters: they’re ready for real change. When I get to Congress, I’m going to fight to lower costs and make Washington work for everyday Floridians again — not the donor class.

Having the kids with me on Memorial Day was a powerful reminder of why I’m in this fight. So many brave men and women gave their lives to make America the greatest nation on earth, and we have a responsibility to leave it even stronger for the next generation. It’s time to end the corruption and chaos in Washington and get our government working for the people again—not just for us, but for our children and the America they deserve to inherit. 🇺🇸

On Memorial Day, I always think of my friend Manny, who took his life six weeks after we returned from Iraq. It’s sickening that suicide is the leading cause of death for veterans under 40. If our servicemembers are willing to risk their lives for this country, we have a responsibility to make sure they receive the care and support they deserve when they come home. We need to take care of our troops while they’re deployed, when they return home, and long after their service ends. Full stop.

People are always asking me about sleeper House races: here's a good one to make you seem smart at parties: new FL-12. Its Baseline went from R+34 to R+12 in the redraw. Trump would have won it by just 6 in 2020. And Gus Bilirakis hasn't had to run a real race since 2006.