Rudy Bradley | |
|---|---|
| Member of the FloridaHouseofRepresentatives from the 55th district | |
| Preceded by | Doug Jamerson |
| Succeeded by | Frank Peterman |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 16,1946 |
| Political party | Republican |
| Education | University of Michigan,M.S.W.,1979;University of Tampa,B.S.,1969 [1] |
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.
Bradley 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]
He 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]