Rachel Burgin

Who is Rachel Burgin?

Rachel Burgin was a Republican member of the Florida House of Representatives from the 56th District, which was located in Hillsborough County, from 2008 to 2012. Burgin was first elected in 2008 over Democratic opponent Lewis Laricchia, a retired union negotiator, and was overwhelmingly re-elected in 2010 over Democratic challenger David Chalela. As a State Representative, Burgin found herself embroiled in controversy in November of 2011, when she introduced legislation urging the federal government to reduce corporate taxes. As introduced, Burgin's legislation was identical to legislation that was written by the American Legislative Exchange Council, and even included the group's mission statement. Within a few days, Burgin withdrew the legislation and re-introduced it, without the group's mission statement.

In 2012, rather than seek a third term in the House, Burgin ran for the Florida Senate from the 24th District. She faced former President of the Senate Tom Lee in the Republican primary, who overwhelmingly defeated her.