Michael Friend
Mike Friend, 50, is a Davie dentist who has practiced for more than 25 years and also serves as a national dental director for an insurance carrier. A University of Pennsylvania dental graduate, he is a public-school parent and serves on advisory boards for NSU's College of Dental Medicine and the Town of Davie. He won the August 2026 Democratic primary.
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Sources last checked 2026-09-18. 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 insurance Leans agree· stated position
He supports a state catastrophic fund to protect homeowners, stronger consumer protections and fair-dealing requirements for insurers, alongside more competition and home hardening.
"focus on a state catastrophic fund that will protect homeowners and not insurance companies."
Housing affordability Leans agree· stated position
He backs full use of state housing programs, public-private partnerships and streamlined permitting to expand affordable and workforce housing.
Abortion Strongly agrees· stated position
He says reproductive decisions belong out of politicians' hands and supports abortion access, with prevention as a focus.
"I strongly believe that woman's reproductive rights belong out of the hands of politicians."
Health care Leans agree· stated position
Friend says health-care access is his central issue and wants to take on health insurers, invest in preventive care and community health centers and expand the provider workforce.
"Florida needs a pragmatic fighter like me to take on the health insurance carriers."
Growth & development Leans agree· stated position
He says the balance has shifted too far toward state preemption and local governments should keep the ability to respond to local needs.
Elections & voting Leans agree· stated position
He would waive fees and expand assistance so a proof-of-citizenship rule does not block eligible voters.
No public position found on 12 issues
We searched campaign sites, questionnaires, interviews, votes and official actions and did not find a clear stance on: Taxes & spending, Property taxes, Immigration, Guns, Education & school choice, Environment & water, Marijuana, Crime & policing, Gender identity laws, Energy & utilities, Trump administration, Veterans. 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
No additional issues found in public statements as of the last data review.
Endorsements (as reported)
- Dolphin Democrats
- Equality Florida PAC
- Florida Planned Parenthood PAC (listed on the campaign's endorsement page, per Florida Politics)
- Sun Sentinel Editorial Board
- Florida Chamber of Commerce