Richard Stark (politician)

Stark was born in New York City, New York, and attended the University of Denver, where he graduated with a degree in political science in 1974. After that, he moved to the state of Florida, where he worked as a private insurance agent, and for twelve years, lobbied the state and federal government to pass health care reform.[1] Stark is married to Debbi Stark whom is a professional paralegal.

In 2012, following the reconfiguration of Florida House districts, Stark opted to run in the newly created 104th District, based in Broward County, including the cities of Pembroke Pines, Weston, Southwest Ranches and the Everglades Wildlife Management Area. In the Democratic primary, he faced Robin Behrman and Alanna Mersinger, and he campaigned on education reform, noting, "Of the people that are running in this race, I've spent almost the entire time as a private businessman but I do have an education background. I know what it's like to be on the education side. Education is really important to me."[2] Stark narrowly defeated both of his opponents, receiving 39% of the vote to Berhman's 32% and Mersinger's 29%. Advancing to the general election, Stark faced Douglas Harrison, a former prosecutor and the Republican nominee. Though Stark was praised by the South Florida Sun-Sentinel for his plan to "bolster public education, particularly the state's universities and their ability to offer scientific and technical programs to help the state's workforce," the paper endorsed Harrison, citing Stark's likelihood to be a "reliable Democratic vote."[3] In the end, Stark defeated Harrison in a landslide, winning 61% of the vote, and was sworn in later that year.

Stark was re-elected to his second term in the legislature in 2014 without opposition.

Stark endorsed Broward County School Board Member, Robin Bartleman, to succeed him in the Florida House. Bartleman won the Democratic Nomination against political newcomer Morey Wright and then the general election in November 2020 against George Navarini. House District 104 remains a Florida Democratic Party stronghold.

Stark was term-limited from the Florida House in 2020, after serving four terms. Stark attempted to run for Mayor of Weston, but lost in the general election to Margaret "Peggy" Brown, a well known Trump supporter and local GOP member even though Joe Biden won every polling place in Weston that election cycle.[4] Stark along with other local Democrat candidates lost big in the city elections, losing the mayoral race as well as two city commission seats. Stark in his mayoral run was endorsed by Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz and incumbent Weston City Commissioners Byron Jaffee, Tom Kallman, and Mary Molina-Macfie.

• Florida House of Representatives - Richard Stark