Ardian Zika | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the Florida House of Representatives from the 37th district | |
| In office November 6, 2018 – November 8, 2022 | |
| Preceded by | Richard Corcoran |
| Succeeded by | Susan Plasencia |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 17, 1980 Yugoslavia |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Tasha R. Zika (m. 2008) |
| Children | 5 |
| Residence(s) | Land o' Lakes, Florida, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Louisiana Tech University Saint Leo University |
| Occupation |
|
Ardian Zika (born February 17, 1980[1]) is an American businessman, banker and former politician who served as a Republican member of the Florida Legislature representing the state's 37th House district, which encompasses parts of Pasco County. On May 5, 2022, he announced not to run for a third time, and resigned from office on November 8, 2022.[2]
Zika was born and raised in Kosovo, then Yugoslavia. He immigrated to the United States in 1997, aged 17, with his family during the Yugoslav Wars on a refugee visa.[3] He graduated from high school in Louisiana. Zika moved to Florida after graduating from college in 2005.[4]
He graduated from Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana, in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and in 2012 with a Master of Business Administration from St. Leo University in St. Leo, Florida.[5]
Zika spent over 15 years of his early career in banking. He currently is the president and chairman of Guardian Street, LLC,[6] a private business advisory practice specializing in middle-market companies.
Zika began his political career as a congressional intern which he spent in Washington, D.C., during June and July 2000.
He defeated two candidates in the August 28, 2018, Republican primary, winning 57.5% of the vote.[7] In the November 8, 2018, general election, Zika won 60.47% of the vote, defeating Democrat Tammy Garcia.[8]
Zika is married to Tasha R. Zika (b. c. 1982) since 2008.[9] They have five children and reside in Land o' Lakes, Florida. Zika is a Baptist and active member of the Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz, Florida.