I’m Mike Pedersen, and I’m not just running for Congress—I’m leaping into the fight for Florida’s future with the same courage and commitment I brought to every mission throughout my decorated military career.

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I’ve proudly called Cape Coral home for over 26 years. As a retired U.S. Marine Corps flight officer, I spent 20 years on active duty, flying both the legendary F-4 Phantom and the advanced F/A-18D Hornet. I’m a TOPGUN graduate and a veteran of 66 combat missions during Operation Desert Storm, where I was honored to receive multiple awards for valor.

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After hanging up my flight suit, I settled in Cape Coral with my wife, Elsa. We raised our three children here and are now blessed to spend time with our eight wonderful grandchildren. I went on to build a successful 22-year career in pharmaceutical sales, focusing on women’s healthcare across Southwest Florida—all while staying actively involved in serving my community.

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For more than two decades, I’ve mentored local youth through sports. I coached youth boxing for three years with the Cape Coral Police Department’s Youth Crime Intervention Program. For the past 21 years, I’ve volunteered as an assistant wrestling coach at Mariner High School, helping to shape young lives through discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. In 2025, I was humbled to be named the Lee County School District’s Volunteer of the Year.

I also spent 20 years as a volunteer Blue & Gold Officer for the U.S. Naval Academy, mentoring and guiding dozens of Southwest Florida’s brightest students into military leadership—40 of whom earned appointments to the Academy.

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In 2023, I was deeply honored to be inducted into the Florida Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as an "Outstanding American"—a recognition of my lifelong commitment to service, mentorship, and conservative values.

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Now, I’m stepping up again—this time to serve the people of Florida’s 19th Congressional District. I’m a proven leader who believes in Florida First, America Always. My platform is built on secure borders, election integrity, a strong military, fiscal responsibility, and Pro-Life values.

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I’m not just a candidate—I’m a proud Floridian, a patriot, and a fighter for our future.