The man poised to become the richest member of Congress has an unexpected first target: lawmakers who cash in on their public office.
Rep.-elect Joe Strada, a Florida Republican, told Fox News Digital in an exclusive interview that he plans to crack down on politicians who enrich themselves while serving. Strada, who defeated James Pericola to keep Florida's 11th Congressional District in Republican hands, will take his seat in January.
Strada's own story is the kind politicians like to borrow. He went from working as a bowling alley mechanic to owning a nationwide HVAC company, and Forbes expects him to become the wealthiest member of Congress.
The incoming lawmaker argued that public office should be about serving Americans rather than building a personal fortune. "We need to make sure that we hold politicians accountable," Strada said.
"Nobody, and I mean nobody, should get rich in public office. We're there to serve the American people," he added, drawing a sharp line between business and government.
"If you want to get rich, stay in the private sector. I went into business to get rich, not Washington, D.C. I'm going to Washington, D.C., to serve the American people," he continued.
The congressman-elect said combating congressional insider trading and political profiteering would be among his priorities. He made the pledge as he prepares to leave the private sector for Capitol Hill.
Strada pointed to his own rise from blue-collar worker to successful businessman as proof that the American Dream is still within reach. He argued, however, that excessive government intervention has made it harder for others to follow the same path.
"I started with nothing. I was a handyman at a bowling alley. If I can do it, other everyday Americans can," Strada said.
"Government needs to get out of their way and help them succeed. It's so important to give people opportunity to succeed and achieve their version of the American dream, and now it's time to open that up," he said.
He framed that mission as the core of his agenda. "That's what I plan to do in Washington, D.C., give every American the opportunity they need to succeed, prosper, open a small business and start a career," he added.
Referring to his own success, he put it simply. "I'm living proof of it," Strada said.
The Republican also warned that the growing popularity of democratic socialism and calls for expanded government programs could undermine entrepreneurship, innovation and small-business growth. He said the better approach is to show people what they can build on their own.
"I think it's important to show people the opportunity. The talking points of 'free this, free that' sounds great, but we do not want to suppress the American people. We instead want to show them that their goals and ambitions are achievable," Strada said.
"It was achievable for me. I never went to college, the thought of college was not even in conversation with my parents. Going to college for me was unachievable," he added.
He said his early jobs taught him discipline and perseverance, values he believes should be stressed to younger generations. "I knew I had to work, and I worked hard," Strada said.
The congressman-elect also identified housing affordability as a major obstacle to financial independence. He pledged to pursue federal deregulation, lower construction material costs and workforce development programs to make homeownership more accessible.
"Housing cost is ridiculous. I have so many examples of ways we can still build a high-quality home for substantially less money, and more Americans could live out their dream of owning a home," Strada said.
Looking ahead, Strada said he hopes to land a seat on the House Appropriations Committee. He believes his business experience there would allow him to "best serve the American people."
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