Longtime GOP Rep. Passes Away At 78

Rep. Bill Posey, a longtime Florida Republican who spent more than a decade in Congress, died Sunday at 78.

Posey passed away at Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne, surrounded by his wife and two daughters, according to colleagues. His cause of death was not disclosed.

“Congressman Posey represented Florida in the United States House of Representatives from 2009 to 2025, following distinguished service in both the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate,” Rep. Mike Haridopolos (R-Fla.) wrote in a statement on X.

“Throughout his career, he earned a reputation as a principled conservative, a steadfast advocate for fiscal responsibility and government transparency, and a tireless supporter of America’s space program and the communities he proudly represented along Florida’s Space Coast,” he added.

Posey was first elected to Congress in 2008 and took office in 2009, representing Florida’s 15th District before later serving the 8th District following redistricting.

Before heading to Washington, Posey built his career in Florida politics, serving on a city council and later in the Florida House and Senate, where he developed deep ties across the Space Coast.

In Congress, Posey served on the House Financial Services Committee and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, focusing on economic policy and aerospace issues central to his district. He was also a member of several conservative groups, including the Freedom Caucus and Liberty Caucus.

“Congressman Bill Posey was a true statesman who deeply loved his country and served it with unwavering integrity. Thank you for your dedicated service to the Freedom Caucus, Congress, and the American people,” the House Freedom Caucus wrote in a post on X.

“Your principled leadership and commitment to liberty left a lasting impact on our nation,” the caucus added.

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Before entering politics, Posey worked for aerospace manufacturer McDonnell Douglas and contributed to the Apollo program at Kennedy Space Center before launching his own real estate business.

He earned an Associate of Arts degree from Eastern Florida State College, according to his congressional biography.

“Bill was a genuinely good man and a faithful friend, and we are blessed to have served alongside him,” House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) wrote in a post on X.

“Kelly and I join in mourning this great loss, and our prayers are with his wife and high school sweetheart Katie, his family, and loved ones during this difficult time,” he added.

Posey served eight terms in Congress before retiring in 2025, capping a decades-long career in public service from local government to Capitol Hill.

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