Biography
Michael Friend, also known as Mike, is the Democratic candidate for Florida House of Representatives District 102 in the November 3, 2026 general election, running against Republican Mery Lopez-Palma in a race with no incumbent.[1][2] A dentist, he said in a Ballotpedia survey that he is running to make healthcare more affordable and accessible and to support teachers and students.[1][3]
Michael Friend earned a high school diploma from Hollywood Hills High School and a graduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 2001.[1] In a Ballotpedia survey, he said he is a first-generation American born in Hollywood, Florida, and that he moved back to District 102 after graduating, where he and his wife built a home and a business and raised three children.[3] He said he serves on the Circle of Impact Advisory Board at NSU College of Dental Medicine and the Town of Davie Public Art Advisory Committee, and is a Legislative Contact Dentist for the Florida Dental Association.[3]
Friend won the August 18, 2026 Democratic primary with 52.2% of the vote (6,766 votes), defeating Jayden D'Onofrio.[1] In the survey, he listed affordable healthcare, support for teachers and safer schools, and affordability, including insurance reform and housing, as his key messages.[3]
- 1.Michael Friend · Ballotpedia Reference
- 2.Florida House of Representatives elections, 2026 · Ballotpedia Reference
- 3.Michael Friend - Candidate Connection survey · Ballotpedia Candidate's own words
Researched from the cited sources on 2026-10-21. Not yet independently fact-checked.
Florida House District 102
Michael Friend is on the Nov 3, 2026 ballot for Florida House District 102 as D. Not researched in depth — candidate list only.