This piece is part of a series of articles examining where 2026 Southeastern candidates for state and federal offices stand on key energy and climate issues, like data centers and energy costs.
Note: The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy does not support or oppose candidates or political parties. Links to reports, candidate websites, and outside sources are provided as citizen education tools.
In this article, we examine the policies and positions of Mike Beltran, the Republican candidate running to represent Florida’s Congressional District 14. Also in this series, we profile Democratic candidate Kathy Castor. Election Day is November 3.
Mike Beltran served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2019-2024, representing districts 57 and 70. Prior to serving in the legislature, he worked as an attorney. He lives in Southeast Hillsborough County.
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
Mike Beltran voted for House Bill 741 in 2022, which was described by a solar industry trade group as a bill that “would decimate Florida’s growing rooftop solar industry and result in the loss of thousands of solar jobs.”
Climate Change
Mike Beltran voted for House Bill 1645, which eliminated multiple state policies to address climate change from state laws.
Electric Transportation
Mike Beltran’s aforementioned vote for House Bill 1645 enacted two policies relevant to electric transportation. Firstly, the bill authorized the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) to approve utility-proposed electric vehicle charging programs. Secondly, the bill eliminated the requirement that state agencies consider fuel efficiency when purchasing new vehicles.
Energy Justice
We were unable to confirm Mike Beltran’s positions on energy justice in published media, public records, or on his campaign website.
Energy Affordability
Mike Beltran prominently states on his website that he is dedicated to lowering the cost of living for local residents. His website says, “In Congress, Mike will cut the wasteful spending that drives prices up and keep your money in your pocket.”
High-Risk Energy: Nuclear, Coal, Methane Gas
In his aforementioned vote for House Bill 1645, Mike Beltran helped enact policies that promote the methane gas industry. One element of the bill reduced regulatory oversight of gas pipelines up to 100 miles long. Another element prevents homeowners associations (HOAs) from prohibiting methane gas utilities. A third element prevents community development districts from prohibiting methane gas utilities.
Data Centers
Mike Beltran states on his website “Mike will fight to ensure no data center is built in our community without local approval and a guarantee it won’t raise your energy bills or harm our environment. Our community’s future should be decided here, not in DC.”
Voting Information
Election Day is November 3. Here are important dates and deadlines to consider:
- Voter registration deadline: Oct. 5, 2026
- Absentee ballot request deadline: Oct. 22, 2026
- Statewide in-person early voting period: Oct. 24 – 31.
- Some counties will have additional in-person early voting dates available between Oct. 19 and Nov. 1. Check your county’s Supervisor of Elections website for the exact dates in your county.
- Nov. 3, 2026: General Election Day
- Nov. 3, 2026: Absentee ballot return deadline. A returned voted ballot must be received, regardless of postmark, by the Supervisor of Elections’ office no later than 7:00 pm (local time) on Election Day.
- For overseas voters only, there is a 10-day extension, provided the ballot is postmarked or dated by Election Day.
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