Alan Grayson
Alan Mark Grayson (born March 13, 1958) is an American attorney, financier, and politician who represented Florida's 8th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2009 to 2011 and the 9th district from 2013 to 2017 as a Democrat.[1][2] Born in the Bronx, New York, Grayson graduated from Bronx High School of Science in 1974 and earned a B.A. summa cum laude, J.D., and M.P.P. from Harvard University between 1978 and 1984.[2] Prior to Congress, he worked as a trial lawyer, investment adviser, and founded Allied Capital Corporation in 1989, later managing hedge funds and serving on investment boards while pursuing litigation against financial entities for alleged fraud.[3] In office, Grayson focused on progressive priorities including healthcare reform, financial regulation, and opposition to military interventions, co-sponsoring bills like the Pay for Performance Act to curb executive compensation at bailed-out firms.[4] His tenure drew notice for combative rhetoric, such as equating Republican healthcare policies with allowing constituents to "die quickly." Grayson's career has been defined by electoral volatility and controversies, including a 2016 Office of Congressional Ethics referral for potential misuse of campaign funds, improper business consulting while serving on committees, and failure to disclose assets, leading to House Ethics Committee admonishment.[5] Personal scandals emerged amid his 2016 divorce, with his ex-wife alleging physical abuse—which he denied—and reports of him shoving a reporter inquiring about the claims.[6] After losing re-election in 2010 and 2016, he mounted unsuccessful U.S. Senate bids in 2010 and 2016 primaries, and in 2025 lost the Democratic primary for a special election to Florida's State Senate District 15.[7]