Bio

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Phil Ehr is a retired U.S. Navy Commander with 26 years of active service, having advanced from Seaman to Commander entirely through active duty. A naval aviator, he flew classified electronic reconnaissance missions during the Cold War, provided combat support in Operation Desert Storm, and commanded Allied Force operations in Europe — the most intense and sustained combat operation in Europe between World War II and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He served as a strategic advisor to senior Pentagon leadership including General Colin Powell. His first naval mission was the 1980 Mariel Boatlift, rescuing Cuban refugees in the Florida Strait — a direct personal connection to the Cuban-American community that makes up the majority of FL-28. Since retirement, he has conducted dozens of humanitarian aid missions in Ukraine and founded a nonprofit fighting political disinformation. He is running for Florida's 28th Congressional District.

Platform

Defense and Democracy: Strong national defense informed by 26 years of military experience. Fight for freedom and democracy at home and abroad. Cost of Living: Lower housing, grocery, healthcare, and energy costs. Strengthen Medicare and Social Security. Oppose trade tariffs that drive up prices for working families. Immigration: Reform ICE and CBP with transparency, accountability, and proper training. Secure borders while fixing the broken legal immigration system. Economic Development: Attract high-tech jobs to Miami-Dade County. Develop reliable clean energy solutions for the Florida Keys. Education: Fully fund public schools. Oppose charter school expansion that undermines public education. Environment: Protect Florida's coastlines through clean energy development and water infrastructure investment. Foreign Policy: Defend democracy internationally from a position of real military strength and expertise — not political posturing.

AFU Statment

Phil Ehr has spent his life defending America — from rescuing Cuban refugees in the Florida Strait to commanding combat operations in Europe to delivering humanitarian aid in Ukraine. He is a Democrat who prioritizes country over party, refuses to be beholden to political machines, and brings a lifetime of real national security experience to Congress. America First United welcomes leaders from every party who put American values and the people they serve above all else.

AFU Statment