1990
President of the Greater Lakeland Young Republicans
His first leadership post in the party, in his hometown club.
Source: Official House biographyThe Record
Thirty-five years of showing up for Republicans.
1992
to 1995
Elected chairman of the Polk County Republican Executive Committee
Under his chairmanship the county party elected Republicans to local office and built a lasting organization.
Source: Official House biography1996
Takes on an incumbent Democrat for the Florida Senate
He lost his first race, kept working for the party and came back to win four years later.
Source: Ballotpedia2000
Elected to the Florida House
Polk County voters sent him to Tallahassee in the seat previously held by Adam Putnam. He served eight years, until term limits.
Source: Official House biography2004
April 23
On the House floor as session deadlines close in
Working through a logjam of bills with fellow members in the final days of session.
2010
Wins an open seat in Congress
Won the Republican primary with 69 percent and carried the general election in a three-way race. Signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge.
Source: Ballotpedia2012
Re-elected without opposition
No candidate from either party filed against him in the redrawn 15th District.
Source: Ballotpedia2014
A rating and endorsement from the NRA
Re-elected with 60 percent of the vote.
Source: Ballotpedia2016
April
His flood insurance bill passes the House unanimously
The Flood Insurance Market Parity and Modernization Act opened the door to private flood coverage for Florida homeowners. It cleared the Financial Services Committee 53 to 0.
Source: WUSF Public Media2016
October 12
Opens for Donald Trump in Lakeland
With many Republicans keeping their distance from the top of the ticket, Dennis took the stage at Lakeland Linder airport and made the case for Trump to his neighbors.
Source: CBC News2016
November
Re-elected to a fourth term
Carried the 15th District with 57.5 percent and 182,999 votes.
Source: Ballotpedia2017
Backs President Trump’s travel order
He called the executive order long overdue.
Source: Ballotpedia2017
September
Flies into Hurricane Irma with the Hurricane Hunters
He rode along as the storm approached Florida to see the forecasting mission firsthand.
2017
December
Votes for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
The law cut taxes for Florida families and doubled the Child Tax Credit.
Source: The Hill2017
December
Holds out for Florida hurricane relief
He withheld his vote on a stopgap spending bill to press for more disaster aid for Florida after Irma.
Source: NPR via WUSF2018
May
In Jerusalem for the opening of the U.S. Embassy
He joined the congressional delegation to the embassy opening and met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Source: Office of Congressman Joe Wilson
2018
Final term
Senior Deputy Majority Whip
A member of the House Republican whip team, counting votes and holding the conference together.
2019
Comes home to Lakeland to teach
After four terms he returned to Polk County and joined Southeastern University as a Distinguished Professor of Political Science.
Source: Central Florida Development Council2024
Publishes his memoir
A look back at Lakeland, the Legislature and Congress, including a flight on Air Force One with President Trump.
Source: Southeastern University2025
Makes the case for the Trump family tax agenda
His columns in Townhall and The Hill back the President’s permanent, expanded Child Tax Credit.
Source: Townhall2026
Candidate for Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida
Asking the State Executive Committee for its vote at the January 2027 meeting.