Rudolph "Rudy" Bradley (born May 16, 1946) is a Florida politician. A Democrat turned Republican, he served in the Florida House of Representatives from 1994 to 2000,[2] representing parts of Pinellas and Manatee Counties[1] as the Representative for the 55th District.
Rudy Bradley | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Florida House of Representatives from the 55th district | |
| Preceded by | Doug Jamerson |
| Succeeded by | Frank Peterman |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 16, 1946 St. Petersburg, Florida |
| Political party | Republican |
| Education | University of Michigan, M.S.W., 1979; University of Tampa, B.S., 1969[1] |
Early life
editBradley was born in St. Petersburg, Florida, in the Gas Plant neighborhood.[3] He was the first black athlete at the University of Tampa, and earned a scholarship in 1966 before graduating in 1969. He earned a master's degree in social work.
He has four children, Adia, Ernest, Michael, and Andre.[1]
Career
editHe returned to St. Petersburg and was a social worker in Pinellas County Schools for more than 20 years.[3]
Bradley was initially elected in a special election to replace Doug Jamerson after his appointment as Florida Commissioner of Education. In the Democratic primary, he came first in a five person race. He won the General Election with 71.9% of votes.[4]
In his 1996 campaign, he was unopposed for reelection.[5]
While in the House, Bradley sponsored a measure to create $3-million in college scholarships for minority teachers. "I stand behind what the voters of District 55 have told me, resoundingly. . .that education and economic development will resolve the issues of crime."[3]
Bradley was a speaker at the 2000 Republican National Convention.[6]
References
edit- ^ a b c "Rudolph". www.myfloridahouse.gov.
- ^ "The Voter's Self Defense System". Vote Smart.
- ^ a b c "Rudy Bradley is forging his own path through Florida's new politics". Tampa Bay Times.
- ^ "Rudolph Bradley easily wins short-lived District 55 term". Tampa Bay Times.
- ^ He was the first black athlete at the University of Tampa, winning a scholarship in 1966 and graduating in 1969. After earning a master's degree in social work from the University of Michigan, he returned to St. Petersburg, where he has been a social worker in the county schools for more than 20 years.
- ^ "Rudy Bradley | C-SPAN.org". www.c-span.org.