Michael Pultorak isn't a politician—and that's exactly why he's running for the Florida House—because he can take the heat.

​In 1996, Michael moved from Michigan to attend the University of South Florida. Like so many others who come to Florida looking for opportunity, he fell in love with the state and decided to stay. Nearly 30 years later, Florida is home, and Pasco County is where he has chosen to put down roots, raise a family, and invest in his community.

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For more than 30 years, Michael has spent his life in public service, and for more than 25 years he has served with Hillsborough County Fire Rescue. While career politicians were attending meetings and making promises, Michael was responding to hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and emergencies, helping people through some of the worst days of their lives.

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Today, he serves as a Captain with Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, where he has also served as an Acting Battalion Chief, Training Instructor, and Special Operations Technician. He is a Chaplain with Pasco County Fire Rescue and has dedicated his career to helping others through crisis, disaster, and recovery. He is also a volunteer and chaplain for Healing Hometown Heroes (H3), a non-profit that supports veteran and first-responders' mental health initiatives through outdoor experiences.His service has been recognized with the Florida Governor's Distinguished Service Award and the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Medal of Valor.

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Michael moved to Wesley Chapel in 2020 and quickly discovered that many residents felt they lacked a voice in county government. As one of the fastest-growing areas in Florida, Wesley Chapel is home to thousands of young families, yet too often decisions affecting their communities are made without meaningful input from the people who live there.

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Rather than complain, Michael got involved.

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Known throughout the community as "the parks guy," Michael has become one of the most vocal advocates for accountability, transparency, and responsible growth in Pasco County. He uncovered plans that redirected impact fees away from the communities that generated them, challenged development decisions that failed residents, fought for promised park space and recreational amenities, and organized neighborhoods to ensure citizens had a seat at the table.

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When residents were told nothing could be done, Michael refused to accept that answer. He has successfully brought homeowners, community groups, developers, and local officials together to find solutions, improve development plans, and protect neighborhoods. His willingness to ask tough questions and challenge the status quo has earned him a reputation as someone who will stand up for residents when no one else will.

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Outside of his public safety career, Michael is active in the agricultural community through homesteading and ranching. He and his family attend Bridgeway Church in Wesley Chapel, and he is a member of the Pasco chapter of the Republican Liberty Caucus. He has also invested heavily in local youth sports, serving as a coach with the Wesley Chapel Athletic Association, the Wesley Chapel Stingrays, and RISE Flag Football, and currently serves as a Director and Coach with USA Scout Baseball and Team Nike USA Scout.

Michael holds a Master of Divinity, a Master of Arts in Theological Studies, an MBA, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

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Michael is not part of the political establishment. He doesn't owe favors to insiders, developers, or the good-old-boy network. He is running because he believes Pasco County residents deserve a representative who will listen to the people, challenge government when it gets off track, and fight for the communities that too often feel overlooked.

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Pasco County doesn't need another politician. It needs a public servant who has spent a lifetime answering the call—and who isn't afraid to stand up for the people he represents.