Michael Kirwan

Michael Kirwan earned a high school diploma from the Episcopal School of Jacksonville, a bachelor's degree from Duke University in 1984, and a law degree from Harvard Law School in 1988. His career experience includes working as an attorney.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a fourth-generation native of Jacksonville; and this community has shaped my life. I grew up on the Northside and in Arlington in a family that believed in hard work, faith, service, and doing right by others. We were not wealthy, but with family support and student loans I was able to go to college and then law school. For 37 years, I practiced as a securities lawyer. I helped write Jacksonville’s Ethics Code. I have been active in Scenic Jacksonville and was a founder of Riverfront Parks Now. My wife and I raised two sons here. I am running for Congress because I believe Northeast Florida deserves principled leadership that will protect civil rights, defend our democracy, and fight every day for the people of this district.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I am running for Congress because I believe our country is at a dangerous moment. Too many people in power have treated the law as optional, the truth as disposable, and democracy as something to exploit rather than protect. We must restore accountability, protect civil rights, and defend our democracy. We need leaders who will defend civil rights, voting rights, reproductive freedom, due process, and the basic principle that no one is above the law. I will fight to hold accountable those who have abused power, undermined democratic institutions, and helped damage the foundation of our democracy. Restoring trust in government starts with restoring honesty, constitutional responsibility, and respect for the rights of all people.Families in Northeast Florida deserve an economy that works for them, not just for the powerful. People here are working hard; but everything keeps getting more expensive while Washington looks the other way. We need to stop reckless tariff policies that leave working families paying more. I will fight to lower costs by taking on corporate abuses, opposing policies that unnecessarily raise prices, protecting consumers, strengthening Social Security and Medicare, and expanding access to affordable health care. I believe government should support an economy in which working people have a real chance to build stability — whether that means meeting monthly bills, purchasing a home, or retiring with dignity after a lifetime of work.Northeast Florida deserves a representative who is ready to lead and deliver from Day 1. People are tired of political theater, chaos, and empty posturing. They want someone who understands this community, knows how government works, and is prepared to deliver real results. I have spent my career solving problems, upholding ethical standards, and serving this community. I know Northeast Florida; and I know this district needs a representative who will fight for federal resources, protect our environment, strengthen infrastructure, support public education, and create opportunity for working families. My commitment is simple: I will stay focused on the real needs of the people I serve and work every day to deliver for this district.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about building a country where people can live with dignity, opportunity, and confidence in the future. That starts with an economy that works for working people. I am also deeply committed to protecting civil rights and civil liberties. That includes voting rights, reproductive freedom, equal protection under the law, and respect for the dignity of every person. I care strongly about ethics in government and democratic accountability. We need leaders who respect the Constitution and tell the truth. I also care deeply about environmental protection and quality of life in Northeast Florida. Above all, I believe government should expand opportunity, protect freedom, and make life better for people.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

The American Association of Justice; Defeat Extremists; state Senator Tracie Davis; former state senators Audrey Gibson and Tony Hill; Jacksonville City Council Member Jimmy Peluso; former city council members Jim Love and Howard Dale; former Fernandina Beach city commissioners Kim Page, Chip Ross and Robin Lentz; former Atlantic Beach city commissioner Steve Rosenbloom, former Green Cove Springs mayor Sandra Dunnavant; Duval County School Board Members Warren Jones and Darryl Willie; former school board member Lori Hershey; and former Tampa mayor Bob Buckhorn.