Jared Moskowitz

Jared Moskowitz is an American politician currently serving as the U.S. Representative for Florida's 23rd congressional district. A member of the Democratic Party, he began his term in the House of Representatives in 2023. Prior to his congressional service, Moskowitz held various positions in local and state government, including roles as a county commissioner and director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management. His political career has been marked by a focus on emergency management, public safety, and environmental issues.

Early life and career

Jared Moskowitz was born on December 18, 1980, in Coral Springs, Florida. He grew up in a politically active family; his father, Michael Moskowitz, was an attorney and a notable Democratic fundraiser. This background likely influenced Moskowitz's early interest in politics. He completed his secondary education at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, where he was exposed to the local community's values and concerns.

Moskowitz pursued higher education at George Washington University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science in 2003. He continued his studies at the Shepard Broad Law Center at Nova Southeastern University, obtaining his Juris Doctor in 2007. Following his graduation, he was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2008, marking the beginning of his legal career.

His initial foray into politics began with an internship for then-Vice President Al Gore, which provided him with insight into the workings of federal government. He later worked as an assistant on Joe Lieberman's presidential campaign in 2004. In 2008, Moskowitz served as a Florida delegate pledged to Barack Obama at the Democratic National Convention, further solidifying his commitment to the Democratic Party.

While attending law school, Moskowitz was elected to the Parkland City Commission in 2006. He was re-elected in 2010, during which time he advocated for environmentally friendly policies, such as providing subsidies for energy-efficient appliances and vehicles. His tenure on the city commission laid the groundwork for his future political ambitions, and he resigned in 2012 to pursue a seat in the Florida House of Representatives.

After completing his law degree, Moskowitz worked as the director of government relations and general counsel for AshBritt Environmental, a company specializing in disaster recovery and environmental services. This role provided him with valuable experience in managing crisis situations, which would later inform his work in public office.

House tenure

Moskowitz's political career in the Florida House of Representatives began after he ran for the newly drawn 97th district following the 2012 redistricting. He won the Democratic primary without opposition and advanced to the general election, where he faced Republican candidate James Gleason. Moskowitz secured a decisive victory, receiving a significant majority of the vote.

During his time in the Florida House, Moskowitz was known for his legislative initiatives, including sponsoring a memorial for Robert Levinson, an American hostage in Iran. This memorial garnered bipartisan support and was signed into law by Governor Rick Scott. He was re-elected in 2014 and 2016 without facing opposition, indicating a strong support base within his district.

In 2018, following the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Moskowitz played a key role in drafting the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Safety Act. This bipartisan legislation aimed to enhance school safety and implement stricter gun control measures, reflecting his commitment to addressing pressing public safety issues.

In December 2018, Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Moskowitz as the director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management. He took office amid the recovery efforts from Hurricane Michael, a devastating Category 5 storm. In this role, he was responsible for coordinating the state's response to various emergencies, including hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic. His leadership during these crises was noted for its focus on logistics and resource management.

Moskowitz's tenure as director included overseeing the distribution of personal protective equipment and vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic. He was vocal about the challenges faced in securing necessary supplies, particularly criticizing companies that prioritized international sales over domestic needs. In April 2021, he left the Division of Emergency Management to spend more time with his family, after which he was appointed as an advisor for Miami-Dade County's COVID-19 response.

In January 2022, Moskowitz was appointed to the Broward County Commission, filling a vacancy left by the resignation of Barbara Sharief. He served on the commission until November 2022, when he transitioned to his role in the U.S. House of Representatives.

In 2022, following the announcement that incumbent Representative Ted Deutch would not seek re-election, Moskowitz declared his candidacy for Florida's 23rd congressional district. He won the Democratic primary and subsequently the general election, securing his position in the House of Representatives.

Legislative focus and committees

Since taking office in 2023, Moskowitz has continued to focus on issues related to emergency management, public safety, and environmental policy. His experience in local and state government has informed his approach to legislation and constituent services. As a member of the House of Representatives, he has been involved in various committees that align with his areas of expertise, although specific committee assignments are not detailed in the available information.

Moskowitz's legislative priorities reflect a commitment to addressing the needs of his constituents in Florida's 23rd district, particularly in the wake of natural disasters and public health emergencies. His background in emergency management positions him as a knowledgeable advocate for policies aimed at improving disaster preparedness and response.

In the 2024 election cycle, Moskowitz was re-elected to a second term, demonstrating continued support from voters in his district. Following his re-election, he was made aware of a potential threat against his safety, highlighting the challenges faced by public officials in today's political climate.

Overall, Jared Moskowitz's career has been characterized by a steady progression through various levels of government, marked by a focus on public service and community engagement. His experiences have shaped his legislative priorities and continue to influence his work as a U.S. Representative.