Rep.-elect Joe Strada, a Florida Republican expected to become Congress’ wealthiest member, says he wants to stop politicians from using public office to build personal fortunes. He plans to make accountability a priority when he takes office in January.
Strada went from working as a bowling alley mechanic to running a nationwide heating and air conditioning company. He says elected office should be about serving the public, not getting rich.
“Nobody, and I mean nobody, should get rich in public office,” Strada said. “If you want to get rich, stay in the private sector. I went into business to get rich, not Washington, D.C. I’m going to Washington, D.C., to serve the American people.”
He said he intends to focus on congressional insider trading and other forms of political profiteering as he moves from the private sector to Capitol Hill.
Strada also pointed to his own path from blue-collar work to business success as evidence that the American Dream is still within reach. In his view, government overreach can make it harder for people to follow a similar route.
“I started with nothing. I was a handyman at a bowling alley. If I can do it, other everyday Americans can,” he said, adding that government should give people room and support to succeed. He said he wants to help Americans pursue their goals, start businesses and build careers.
He warned that growing support for democratic socialism and expanded government programs could weaken entrepreneurship, innovation and small businesses. Strada said proposals promising things for free may sound appealing, but he would rather show people that their ambitions are possible.
Strada never attended college. He said it had not seemed like a realistic option for him growing up, and that his early jobs taught him the importance of persistence and hard work. He believes younger Americans would benefit from a stronger emphasis on work ethic.
He also named housing affordability as a major barrier to financial independence. Strada said he would look at reducing regulations, lowering the cost of building materials and investing in workforce development to make homeownership more attainable.
“Housing cost is ridiculous,” he said. Strada argued that high-quality homes could be built for considerably less, giving more Americans a chance to own a home.
As he prepares to take office, Strada said he hopes to join the House Appropriations Committee, where he believes his business background could help him serve the public.
