Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Brian Mast

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 26, 2025

Discover the career path of Brian Mast, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Brian Mast is an American politician and U.S. military veteran currently serving as the U.S. Representative for Florida's 21st congressional district since 2017. A Republican, Mast represents the Treasure Coast and northern Palm Beach County. He is currently serving his fifth term in the House of Representatives.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

May 2000: Enlisted in the Army Reserve

In May 2000, Brian Mast enlisted in the United States Army Reserve as a combat engineer assigned to the 841st Combat Engineer Battalion.

2006: Transitioned to Active Duty

In 2006, Brian Mast transitioned to the active U.S. Army and became an explosive ordnance disposal technician. He later joined the 28th Ordnance Company, a special operations explosive ordnance disposal unit.

July 2011: Joined the Department of Homeland Security

After his honorable discharge from the Army, in July 2011, Brian Mast was hired as an explosives specialist for the United States Department of Homeland Security.

February 2012: Worked with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

While recovering from his injuries at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Brian Mast worked as an instructor of homemade explosives for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives until February 2012.

January 2015: Volunteering with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF)

In January 2015, Brian Mast volunteered with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) through Sar-El, where he worked at a base outside Tel Aviv packing medical kits and moving supplies.

May 2015: Considered Running for Congress

In May 2015, it was reported that Brian Mast was considering running for Congress while recovering from his injuries at Walter Reed Medical Center.

June 8, 2015: Announced Candidacy for U.S. Representative

On June 8, 2015, Brian Mast announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for U.S. Representative in Florida's 18th congressional district.

August 30, 2016: Won Republican Primary

On August 30, 2016, Brian Mast won the Republican primary for U.S. Representative in Florida's 18th congressional district, defeating five opponents with 38% of the vote.

2016: Support of Israel and Israelis

During his 2016 campaign, Brian Mast was reported by The Times of Israel as "a vocal supporter of Israel and Israelis".

2016: Criticism of Obama's Middle East policy

In 2016, Brian Mast criticized President Obama's Middle East policy, asserting that ISIS's strength was due to a lack of U.S. leadership and advocating for a stronger military effort.

2016: Views on Iran nuclear deal

In 2016, Brian Mast expressed his view that President Obama's Iran nuclear deal was a betrayal of U.S. national security and its regional allies, arguing it aligned the U.S. with a Shia regime and enabled extremism.

January 3, 2017: Sworn into Congress

On January 3, 2017, Brian Mast was sworn in as the U.S. representative for Florida's 18th congressional district.

October 2017: Vote against the original version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

In October 2017, Brian Mast voted against the original version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, citing concerns about federal spending, national debt, and the desire for lower tax rates with closed loopholes.

December 2017: Vote for the final version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

In December 2017, Brian Mast voted for the final version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, stating that it "provides a lot of confidence to a lot of people" and is "a great moment for our country and our community".

April 25, 2018: Primary Challenge Announced

On April 25, 2018, Mark Freeman announced a primary challenge to Brian Mast, focusing on Mast's record on gun control issues.

May 2018: Considered for Secretary of Veterans Affairs

In May 2018, the Associated Press reported that the Trump administration was considering Brian Mast for secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

2018: Opening an office inside a federal agency

In 2018, Brian Mast, a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, became the first member of Congress to open an office inside a federal agency, specifically the West Palm Beach Veterans Affairs facility.