| Rudy Bradley | |
| State House: | Florida |
| District: | 55th |
| Predecessor: | Doug Jamerson |
| Successor: | Frank Peterman |
| Birth Date: | 16 May 1946 |
| Birth Place: | St. Petersburg, Florida |
| Party: | Republican |
| Education: | University of Michigan, M.S.W., 1979; University of Tampa, B.S., 1969[1] |
Rudolph "Rudy" Bradley (born May 16, 1946) is a Florida politician. A Democrat turned Republican, he served in the Florida House of Representatives from 1994 to 2000,[2] representing parts of Pinellas and Manatee Counties[1] as the Representative for the 55th District.
Bradley was born in St. Petersburg, Florida, in the Gas Plant neighborhood.[3] He was the first black athlete at the University of Tampa, and earned a scholarship in 1966 before graduating in 1969. He earned a master's degree in social work.
He has four children, Adia, Ernest, Michael, and Andre.[1]
He returned to St. Petersburg and was a social worker in Pinellas County Schools for more than 20 years.
Bradley was initially elected in a special election to replace Doug Jamerson after his appointment as Florida Commissioner of Education. In the Democratic primary, he came first in a five person race. He won the General Election with 71.9% of votes.[4]
In his 1996 campaign, he was unopposed for reelection.[5]
While in the House, Bradley sponsored a measure to create $3-million in college scholarships for minority teachers. "I stand behind what the voters of District 55 have told me, resoundingly. . .that education and economic development will resolve the issues of crime."[3]
Bradley was a speaker at the 2000 Republican National Convention.[6]