Skip Bafalis
Skip Bafalis | |
|---|---|
| Born | Louis Arthur Bafalis 28 September 1929 Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Died | 10 March 2023 (aged 93) Fairfax Station, Virginia, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, politician |
| Years active | 1964–1988 |
| Known for | U.S. Representative for Florida's 10th congressional district (1973–1983); Florida Senate (1966–1970) |
Louis Arthur "Skip" Bafalis (September 28, 1929 – March 10, 2023) was an American entrepreneur and political figure who represented Florida's 10th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives from 1973 until 1983. Affiliated with the Republican Party, he was the party’s candidate in the 1982 Florida gubernatorial election and served in the Florida Senate for district 33 between 1966 and 1970.
Early life
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Bafalis was the son of a Greek immigrant father and had maternal grandparents originating from Sweden. He completed his secondary education at Manchester Central High School in 1948 before attending Saint Anselm College until 1952. Between 1953 and 1956, he served in the United States Army, achieving the rank of captain. Following his military tenure, he moved to Florida in 1955 to embark on a career in investment banking.
Florida legislature
Bafalis won election to the Florida House of Representatives in 1964 and subsequently secured a seat in the Florida Senate in both 1966 and 1968. In the 1970 gubernatorial race, he sought the Republican nomination but was defeated by then-incumbent Governor Claude R. Kirk, Jr., who himself was later defeated by Democrat Reubin Askew. That election cycle also saw U.S. Representative William C. Cramer lose a Senate bid, leading to internal conflicts that impeded growth within the Florida Republican Party.
During his legislative service, Bafalis played a key role in facilitating the establishment of Walt Disney World in Florida.
Congress
In the 1972 elections, Bafalis secured a seat in the ninety-third United States Congress, representing a newly created district encompassing areas from Palm Beaches to Fort Myers. Over five terms, he resided both in Fort Myers Beach and Palm Beach.
As part of the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, he was actively involved in advancing major infrastructure developments across Florida, including projects like Interstate 95, new bridges connecting to the Florida Keys, and enhanced transportation routes around Fort Myers.
Later career
Opting not to run for re-election to Congress in 1982, Bafalis instead pursued the governorship but was defeated by incumbent Democrat Bob Graham. Throughout his congressional tenure, he missed approximately 8% of roll call votes, with absenteeism increasing during his gubernatorial campaign. After leaving office, he transitioned into roles as a lobbyist and consultant specializing in governmental affairs.
In 1988, Bafalis sought to return to Congress representing Florida's 13th district; however, he was defeated in the Republican primary runoff by Lee County Commissioner Porter Goss.
Personal life and death
By 2011, Bafalis resided in Fairfax, Virginia, close to Washington, D.C., and served as a partner at the government relations firm Alcalde & Fay located in Arlington. He was the father of three children: Renee Louise, Gregory Louis, and Joshua Evan Bafalis. His spouse was Charlotte Maria Bafalis.
Bafalis passed away at the age of 93 on March 10, 2023, in Fairfax Station, Virginia.