Background

Growing up in western Michigan, Staff Sergeant Brian Mast enlisted in the military after high school in 1999. For 12 years, he served in the US Army, including time with the Joint Special Operations Commnand (JSOC) as a bomb disposal expert, finding and disarming IEDs. While on his last deployment in Afghanistan, he suffered catastrophic injuries resulting in the loss of both his legs, and was awarded the Bronze Star, the Army Commendation Medal for Valor, the Purple Heart and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal.

While in extensive rehabilitation, he was a consultant to the National Nuclear Security Administration, the Bureau of Alchohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and the Department of Homeland Security, and the Israeli Defense Forces. Moving to Florida after his retirement in 2012, he ran for Congress in 2016, defeating five Republicans and Democrat Randy Perkins.

In his first term, Brian worked successfully to get a first ever Congressional Office put on-site in the VA hospital. Through his position on the Transportation Committee, he has challenged Brightline over their private activity bond requests. On Water quality issues, he worked to fund the completion of the Herbert Hoover Dike and secured a commitment to authorize the southern storage reservoir.

He voted for the repeal of Obamacare and the tax cut bill, which is revving up the economy and repealed the individual mandate. Brian favors improved border security, strengthening our support for Israel, and supported the end of the Iran nuclear deal.

Brian has supported the Trump agenda, and has defended the President against his detractors in attacks at town hall meetings.

He has been criticized lately from the right for his proposal to ban "gas operated, semi automatic rifles", and voting against the Recission Bill (HR3). On the latter, his no vote was an objection to its effect on local water projects and the vote did not derail the bill.

In the August 2018 primary, Brian defeated Mark Freeman and Dave Cummings with 78% of the vote.