Joseph Hoolihan, a Manatee County small-business owner and real estate agent, is running for Florida House District 71 with no party affiliation.

His campaign website describes him as a Florida resident since 1988 and says his work helping families with homes informed his interest in the cost of ownership, insurance and the information consumers receive.

Housing is a central campaign issue. Hoolihan argues that property taxes, insurance premiums and investment properties used as short-term rentals are making it harder for local residents to own and keep homes. His platform opposes short-term rentals and calls for more affordable housing.

He also identifies artificial intelligence as an issue for state government, calling for responsible use of the technology with safeguards. His education platform emphasizes stronger schools, family involvement, fitness and competitive sports.

The Florida Division of Elections lists Hoolihan as qualified for the general election. Democrat Ocean Fitts and Republican Jordan Varnadore are also qualified in District 71.

The positions in this profile are drawn from Hoolihan’s campaign website. They describe what he is advocating as a candidate, rather than policies already enacted by the Legislature.