Mike Weinstein

Michael B. Weinstein (born February 6, 1949) is an American politician who was a two-term member of the Florida House of Representatives, representing District 19, which encompasses parts of Jacksonville and surrounding areas.

Michael Weinstein
Member of the Florida House of Representatives from the 19th district
In office 2008–2012
Preceded by	Dick Kravitz
Personal details
Born	(1949-02-06) February 6, 1949 (age 74)
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Sara Weinstein

Life

Weinstein was born in Livingston, New Jersey.^[1] He relocated to Florida in 1975. He earned his bachelor's degree from Hartwick College, a M.S. from California State University, Long Beach, and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Florida. He later served as a prosecutor in the State Attorney's Office. He currently resides in Jacksonville, Florida with his family.^[2]

Prior to being elected, Weinstein served as the CEO of the team responsible for Jacksonville's successful bid for Super Bowl XXXIX.

Political career

Weinstein, who had served as the City of Jacksonville's chief financial officer under two mayors, was an unsuccessful candidate for Mayor of Jacksonville in 2003.^[3] In 2008, Weinstein was elected Representative for Florida's District 19, covering Clay, Duval, and St. John's counties, in the 2008 elections.^[2] He served as House Deputy Majority Whip from August 24, 2009 to 2010, and was reelected in the 2010 elections.^[2]

He received national attention from a music video (produced by his son Scott, under the stage name Scott Leigh) - "The Weinstein Slide" - released by his campaign promoting his 2010 re-election.^{[4][5][6][7][8][9]}

In 2012 Weinstein sought election in the Florida Senate for District 4, again accompanied by another Scott Leigh video, "The Weinstein Slide II" (which discusses the general mudslinging that accompanies many campaigns, and samples the original video music).^[10] Weinstein was defeated in the 2012 Republican primary by Aaron Bean by a 64%=36% vote.^[11]

Weinstein returned to serving as the City of Jacksonville's Chief Financial Officer for 2015–18, before retiring in September 2018.^[3]

References

1. Representative Michael B. "Mike" Weinstein, Florida House of Representatives. Accessed February 24, 2011.
2. "Representative Michael B. "Mike" Weinstein". www.myfloridahouse.gov. 2011. Retrieved February 6, 2011.
3. "City finance director to retire".
4. Condon, Stephanie (July 8, 2010). "Mike Weinstein's Amazing Campaign Video Goes Viral". CBS News.
5. Amira, Dan (July 8, 2010). "Meet Your New Best Campaign Ad of All Time, Ever". New York.
6. Weiner, Juli (July 8, 2010). "Hands-Down No. 1 Song of the Summer: "Mike Weinstein (Representing District 19)" (Trust Us)". Vanity Fair.
7. Good, Chris (July 9, 2010). "The Mike Weinstein Campaign Video". The Atlantic.
8. Linkins, Jason (July 8, 2010). "Mike Weinstein, Florida Representative, Treated To Insane Dance Party Ad From Son (VIDEO)". The Huffington Post.
9. Jessop, Steve (July 9, 2010). "Florida State Rep Mike Weinstein Goes Viral With Cheesiest Campaign Video Ever". Mediaite.
10. Video on YouTube
11. "Mike Weinstein".