Mike Pedersen

[{"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Mike Pedersen completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Pedersen's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-353981-2025-05-24\" id=\"heading-bio-353981-2025-05-24\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-353981-2025-05-24\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-353981-2025-05-24\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-353981-2025-05-24\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-353981-2025-05-24\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tMike Pedersen is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy (Class of 1979) where he was a 2-time Naval Academy Boxing Champion and was the Outstanding Boxer his senior year. Pedersen went on to serve 20 years as a U. S. Marine Corps Naval Flight Officer (NFO) in the F-4 Phantom and the F/A-18D Hornet. Mike was awarded 3 separate times for valor during Operation Desert Storm as a Forward Air Controller. Pedersen flew a total of 66 combat missions over Kuwait. He is a husband, father, grandfather, and proud 26-year resident of Cape Coral, Florida. Mike is an active member of the community -- coached youth boxing with the Cape Coral Police Department from 2000-2003, has been the Asst Wrestling Coach at Mariner High School from 2003 to present, and was a Naval Academy \"Blue &amp; Gold Officer\" (Field Admissions Liaison Officer) for 20 years. In Aug 2024, Mike was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame (Florida Chapter) under the \"Outstanding American\" category. In May 2025, he was named Volunteer of the Year by the Lee County School District.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-353981-2025-05-24\" id=\"heading-key-message-353981-2025-05-24\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-353981-2025-05-24\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-353981-2025-05-24\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-353981-2025-05-24\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-353981-2025-05-24\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>I have been a long time Florida resident for the past 58 years, including the past 26 years in Cape Coral. Our children attended public school in the Lee County School District. I have boated in and fished our waterways.</li><li>My 20 years of Marine Corps service included various leadership positions in aviation, operations, security, intelligence, and logistics. I was a graduate of the Navy's \"TOP GUN\" Fighter Weapons School in Dec 1983. From '92-'94, I was the Executive Officer (2nd in Command) of 250 Marines with 1st ANGLICO (Air and Naval Gunfire Liaison Company) at Camp Pendleton, CA. In that position, I logged 40 static-line parachute jumps.</li><li>My platform is solid CONSERVATIVE with focus on: USA First, Powerful Modern and Potent Military second to none, Debt Reduction, Secure Borders, Secure Elections, Protect the 2nd Amendment, Protect the Unborn, and Protect &amp; Develop our Youth.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-353981-2025-05-24\" id=\"heading1-353981-2025-05-24\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-353981-2025-05-24\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-353981-2025-05-24\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-353981-2025-05-24\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-353981-2025-05-24\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tControl spending, election integrity, immigration reform, and youth development.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-353981-2025-05-24\" id=\"heading2-353981-2025-05-24\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-353981-2025-05-24\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-353981-2025-05-24\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIs there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-353981-2025-05-24\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-353981-2025-05-24\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t\"What color is a Conservative\" by former Oklahoma Congressman and football player J. C. Watts.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-353981-2025-05-24\" id=\"heading3-353981-2025-05-24\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-353981-2025-05-24\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-353981-2025-05-24\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-353981-2025-05-24\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-353981-2025-05-24\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tIntegrity, honesty, energy, and genuine passion to represent constituents.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-353981-2025-05-24\" id=\"heading4-353981-2025-05-24\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-353981-2025-05-24\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-353981-2025-05-24\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-353981-2025-05-24\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-353981-2025-05-24\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tHonesty, Work Ethic, Dependability, Passion to Serve\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-353981-2025-05-24\" id=\"heading5-353981-2025-05-24\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-353981-2025-05-24\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-353981-2025-05-24\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-353981-2025-05-24\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-353981-2025-05-24\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAssassination of President Kennedy. 2nd grade (7 years old).\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-353981-2025-05-24\" id=\"heading6-353981-2025-05-24\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-353981-2025-05-24\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-353981-2025-05-24\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was your very first job? How long did you have it?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-353981-2025-05-24\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-353981-2025-05-24\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t10 years old. One full year. Local Pet Store. $1 / hour taking care of all the animals - feeding, cleaning cages, etc.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-353981-2025-05-24\" id=\"heading7-353981-2025-05-24\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-353981-2025-05-24\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-353981-2025-05-24\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-353981-2025-05-24\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-353981-2025-05-24\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tYes. Our Founding Forefathers got it right. The 2, 4, 6 concept was well thought out.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-353981-2025-05-24\" id=\"heading8-353981-2025-05-24\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-353981-2025-05-24\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-353981-2025-05-24\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tTell us your favorite joke.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading8-353981-2025-05-24\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-353981-2025-05-24\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tWhen does a joke officially become a \"Dad Joke?\" --- When it becomes apparent.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-353981-2025-05-24\" id=\"heading9-353981-2025-05-24\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-353981-2025-05-24\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-353981-2025-05-24\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading9-353981-2025-05-24\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-353981-2025-05-24\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tSee my official website: www.mikepedersenforcongress.com\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-353981-2025-05-24\" id=\"heading10-353981-2025-05-24\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-353981-2025-05-24\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-353981-2025-05-24\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat committees interest you?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading10-353981-2025-05-24\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-353981-2025-05-24\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tArmed Services Committee, Health and Human Services\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-353981-2025-05-24\" id=\"heading11-353981-2025-05-24\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse11-353981-2025-05-24\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-353981-2025-05-24\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading11-353981-2025-05-24\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse11-353981-2025-05-24\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tTransparency and real accountability are ESSENTIAL to ensure and maintain public trust in our elected officials. It is important to require regular financial disclosures in order to avoid conflict of interests. Oversight committees and ethics review / enforcement are vital to keep public faith in OUR government.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nMike Pedersen completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Pedersen's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. Mike Pedersen is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy (Class of 1979) where he was a 2-time Naval Academy Boxing Champion and was the Outstanding Boxer his senior year. Pedersen went on to serve 20 years as a U. S. Marine Corps Naval Flight Officer (NFO) in the F-4 Phantom and the F/A-18D Hornet. Mike was awarded 3 separate times for valor during Operation Desert Storm as a Forward Air Controller. Pedersen flew a total of 66 combat missions over Kuwait. He is a husband, father, grandfather, and proud 26-year resident of Cape Coral, Florida. Mike is an active member of the community -- coached youth boxing with the Cape Coral Police Department from 2000-2003, has been the Asst Wrestling Coach at Mariner High School from 2003 to present, and was a Naval Academy \"Blue & Gold Officer\" (Field Admissions Liaison Officer) for 20 years. In Aug 2024, Mike was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame (Florida Chapter) under the \"Outstanding American\" category. In May 2025, he was named Volunteer of the Year by the Lee County School District. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? I have been a long time Florida resident for the past 58 years, including the past 26 years in Cape Coral. Our children attended public school in the Lee County School District. I have boated in and fished our waterways. My 20 years of Marine Corps service included various leadership positions in aviation, operations, security, intelligence, and logistics. I was a graduate of the Navy's \"TOP GUN\" Fighter Weapons School in Dec 1983. From '92-'94, I was the Executive Officer (2nd in Command) of 250 Marines with 1st ANGLICO (Air and Naval Gunfire Liaison Company) at Camp Pendleton, CA. In that position, I logged 40 static-line parachute jumps. My platform is solid CONSERVATIVE with focus on: USA First, Powerful Modern and Potent Military second to none, Debt Reduction, Secure Borders, Secure Elections, Protect the 2nd Amendment, Protect the Unborn, and Protect & Develop our Youth. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Control spending, election integrity, immigration reform, and youth development. Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy? \"What color is a Conservative\" by former Oklahoma Congressman and football player J. C. Watts. What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? Integrity, honesty, energy, and genuine passion to represent constituents. What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder? Honesty, Work Ethic, Dependability, Passion to Serve What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time? Assassination of President Kennedy. 2nd grade (7 years old). What was your very first job? How long did you have it? 10 years old. One full year. Local Pet Store. $1 / hour taking care of all the animals - feeding, cleaning cages, etc. Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives? Yes. Our Founding Forefathers got it right. The 2, 4, 6 concept was well thought out. Tell us your favorite joke. When does a joke officially become a \"Dad Joke?\" --- When it becomes apparent. What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign? See my official website: www.mikepedersenforcongress.com What committees interest you? Armed Services Committee, Health and Human Services What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability? Transparency and real accountability are ESSENTIAL to ensure and maintain public trust in our elected officials. It is important to require regular financial disclosures in order to avoid conflict of interests. Oversight committees and ethics review / enforcement are vital to keep public faith in OUR government.\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it."}]