Michael Cruz
Cruz served in the U.S. Army from 1979 to 1986, attended Caribbean University in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, and works in real estate. He was the 2024 Republican nominee in HD 46, losing to Alvarez, and is running again in 2026.
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Sources last checked 2026-10-16. Report an error ↗
Positions on the major issues
Compare with opponents →Each entry describes what the candidate has said or done, and what they say they will do, in neutral terms with sources. The chip shows how that relates to the statement voters rate in the matching tool.
Property taxes Strongly agrees· stated position
Cruz said he will vote yes on the property-tax amendment and supports replacing property taxes with another funding system for schools and public safety.
"Yes. Property taxes place a heavy burden on homeowners."
Housing affordability Leans agree· stated position
Cruz said he supports increasing the supply of affordable and workforce housing and speeding up permitting.
"Increase the supply of affordable and workforce housing, speed up permitting for new homes"
Immigration Mixed / neutral· stated position
Cruz said immigration policy should be balanced, combining border security, due process and a reliable legal pathway for immigrants who contribute.
"Immigration policy should be effective and balanced, focusing on border security, due process, and a reliable legal pathway"
Abortion Leans disagree· stated position
Cruz said he personally holds pro-life views but that abortion policy should be governed by existing law.
"I personally hold pro-life views, but I believe abortion policy should be governed by existing law"
Environment & water Leans agree· stated position
Cruz named flooding and water quality caused by rapid development as the top environmental issue and supports protecting wetlands and requiring stormwater management in new growth.
Growth & development Leans agree· stated position
Cruz said new developments should be required to help fund the infrastructure growth needs.
"require new developments to help fund the infrastructure needed to support growth"
Crime & policing Leans agree· stated position
In his 2026 Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey, Cruz lists improving public safety among his priorities and says he supports law enforcement and first responders. He does not say in the survey whether he would change criminal penalties or police funding levels.
"I am focused on lowering the cost of living, addressing Florida’s property insurance challenges, supporting law enforcement and first responders, protecting constitutional freedoms"
Energy & utilities Leans agree· stated position
Cruz says utility regulators should protect consumers by making data centers pay their fair share and keeping utility rates fair and transparent.
"Utility regulators should protect consumers by ensuring data centers pay their fair share of costs, improving the electric grid, and keeping utility rates fair and transparent."
Veterans Leans agree· stated position
Cruz, who describes himself as a U.S. Army veteran, says supporting veterans and first responders is among the policy areas he is personally passionate about.
"I believe in creating opportunities for small businesses, supporting veterans and first responders"
No public position found on 9 issues
We searched campaign sites, questionnaires, interviews, votes and official actions and did not find a clear stance on: Taxes & spending, Property insurance, Guns, Health care, Education & school choice, Marijuana, Elections & voting, Gender identity laws, Trump administration. This is reported as unknown rather than guessed from party affiliation; these issues are excluded from this candidate's match score.
Other issues this candidate has raised
- Property insurance — Cruz lists addressing Florida's property insurance challenges among his top priorities but does not describe in his Ballotpedia survey what changes he would make.