Democrat Bill Nelson, who has represented Florida in the U.S. Senate for the past two six-year terms, is being challenged by Republican Rep. Connie Mack IV, along with independent candidates Chris Borgia and Bill Gaylor. There are also five qualified write-in candidates in this race.
Scroll down and read about the candidates, in alphabetical order.
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Chris Borgia
PARTY: No party affiliation
AGE: 33
HOMETOWN: Fort Lauderdale
FAMILY: Single
OCCUPATION: Former Army captain; Iraq War veteran
EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in political science, University of Florida
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE:
CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: ChrisBorgia.com
This candidate has not returned WJXT/News4Jax.com's candidate survey.
Bill Gaylor
PARTY: No party affiliation
AGE: 64
RESIDENCE: Indian Harbor Beach
FAMILY: Married to Sheila for 23 years. Four children: Hunter, Oliver (with the Lord), Madison and Foster. Youngest 14, oldest 22.
OCCUPATION: Trusted Choice independent insurance agent
EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree. 218 and 220 Insurance licenses.
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: "None. However, I meet all of the qualifications per the U.S. Constitution which states you must be 1) a US Citizen. 2) a resident of the State and 3) be over 30 years of age. Our Founding Fathers did not say a candidate had to have served in some political office before-hand or be a lawyer. This was so people like me, with common sense, practical business experience and as one who has served honorably as both an Enlisted man and Officer in the Marine Corp. would better represent and serve our fellow Americans."
WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE TOP THREE ISSUES IN THIS RACE?
HOW DO YOU THINK YOU CAN HELP VOTERS IN A WAY OTHERS IN THIS RACE CAN'T?
- "No divided loyalties. Not part of any political party establishment, agenda, political entanglements or favors. Have successful military, international-corporate and small business, entrepreneurial experience that allows me to bring a common sense approach to creative problem solving. A man of strong faith, family and believe in my country and the strength of our Constitution."
WHAT WOULD YOU HOPE TO BE REMEMBERED FOR ACCOMPLISHING AFTER SERVING IN THIS OFFICE?
- "Having been part of a Senate that did NOT obstruct jobs and growth in the economy. A Senate that cut waste and excessive spending, replaced the current tax code with a simple flat tax and REPEALED Obamacare . A Senate that supported a strong dollar, fewer regulations and reduced debt. A Govt. that's accountable and transparent. A rule that cited a constitutional basis of a bill before it can be considered where each bill stands on its own with no earmarks. A controlled border and a workable immigration policy. Getting us out of the United Nations and ceasing its funding. Having replaced the EPA, OSHA and Energy Dept. with a department 1/100 the size that cannot pass a regulation or levy fees or taxes without the approval of congress. Having taken the Education out of the hands of unions and federal government and given back to the local level without all the bureaucracy."
WEBSITE: FloridaForBill.com
Connie Mack IV
PARTY: Republican
RESIDENCE: Fort Myers
AGE: 44
FAMILY: Wife, Mary
OCCUPATION: U.S. Representative for 14th Congressional District that includes Fort Myers and Naples
EDUCATION: University of Florida.
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Before elected to Congress in 2004, he served two terms in Florida House. Son of former U.S. Sen. Connie Mack
CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: ConnieMack.com
This candidate has not returned the WJXT/News4Jax.com candidate survey.
Associated Press information about Connie Mack | Campaign finances
Bill Nelson
PARTY: Democratic
RESIDENCE: Orlando-Melbourne
AGE: 70
FAMILY: Wife, Grace Cavert Nelson; two children
OCCUPATION: U.S. Senator since 2001
EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree from University of Florida, Yale University; J.D. from University of Virginia
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Previously elected to Florida legislature, State Treasurer and U.S. House
CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: NelsonForSenate.com
This candidate has not returned the WJXT/News4Jax.com candidate survey.
Associated Press candidate information | Campaign finances
The write-in candidates who qualified in Florida's U.S. Senate race are:
- Piotr Blass
- Naomi Craine
- Lionel Long
- Robert Monroe
- Lawrence Sidney Scott