Mark Danish

Mark Danish (born February 15, 1954) is a former Democratic member of the Florida House of Representatives, representing the 63rd District, which includes northern Hillsborough County, namely northern Tampa, Pebble Creek, Lake Magdalene, University, and Carrollwood, since 2012.

Mark Danish
Member of the Florida House of Representatives
from the 63rd district
In office
November 20, 2012 – November 3, 2014
Preceded bySeth McKeel
Succeeded byShawn Harrison
Personal details
Born (1954-02-15) February 15, 1954
New York City, New York, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
Spouse(s)
  • Rochelle Dworkin
    ​
    ​
    (m. 1977, divorced)​
  • Linda Danish
    ​
    (m. 1991)​
ChildrenRichard Michael, Lisa Michelle, Michael Jeffrey
Alma materCity University of New York (B.S.)
ProfessionScience teacher

History

Danish was born in New York City and attended Queens College, City University of New York, where he graduated with a degree in Earth and environmental sciences with secondary education in 1976. However, due to the fact that, in 1977, New York City faced a budget crisis and laid off several thousand teachers, Danish moved to the state of Florida and began work as a middle school science teacher. After a few years, he began serving as a union representative for the local teacher's union.

In November 2017, Mark's wife Linda Danish won $1 million in a Florida Lottery scratch-off game.[1]

Florida House of Representatives

In 2012, following the reconfiguration of the Florida House of Representatives districts, Danish ran in the newly created 63rd District. He easily defeated Z. J. Hafeez in the Democratic primary with 62% of the vote. He faced incumbent Republican State Representative Shawn Harrison in the general election, and a contentious election ensued. Despite praising Danish for his policy aims, the Tampa Tribune endorsed Harrison, noting that he was not an "abusive lawmaker" and instead was "conscientious and industrious."[2] The Tampa Bay Times concurred, praising Danish as "a credible first-time candidate who knows this district well," but ultimately endorsing Harrison, praising him as "a moderate voice at the state and local level for his north Tampa constituents."[3] Additionally, Harrison "out-fundraised Danish by nearly $200,000."[4] Despite this, however, Danish emerged victorious over Harrison on election night, defeating the incumbent by 728 votes and with 51% of the vote.

Danish ran against Harrison again in 2014, though this time Danish was the incumbent and Harrison the challenger. The Tampa Bay Times endorsed Danish, praising him for his "willingness to work with Republicans on behalf of his district."[5] Ultimately, Harrison unseated Danish with 53% of the vote.

References
  1. "Couple days shy of her birthday, Ponte Vedra woman claims $1 million prize in scratch-off game". jacksonville.com. Retrieved 31 May 2020.
  2. "Gottlieb, Cruz and Harrison for state House". Tampa Tribune. October 6, 2012. Retrieved May 7, 2014.
  3. "For a better Florida House". Tampa Bay Times. October 18, 2012. Retrieved May 7, 2014.
  4. Vander Velde, Jessica (October 17, 2012). "Know Your Candidates". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved May 7, 2014.
  5. "Times recommends: For a better Florida House". Tampa Bay Times. October 10, 2014. Retrieved November 30, 2014.
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