Robert Nichols (politician)

Robert Nichols
Member of the Texas Senate
from the 3rd district
Assumed office
January 9, 2007
Preceded by Todd Staples
Personal details
Born (1944-11-25) November 25, 1944
Nationality American
Political party Republican
Spouse(s) Donna
Children 3
Residence Jacksonville, Texas
Alma mater Lamar University
Profession Small Business Businessman, politician

Robert Nichols (born 25 November 1944) is an American politician who is the Republican senator for the 3rd District and President Pro Tempore of the 85th Legislature in the Texas Senate.

Early years

Robert Nichols graduated from Lamar University with a degree in Industrial Engineering in 1968. From there, he had a successful career as a small businessman before being elected Mayor of Jacksonville, Texas.

Public service

During his tenure as Mayor of Jacksonville, Nichols streamlined the city government and helped to cut property tax rates. His service as Mayor eventually convinced then-Governor of Texas George W. Bush to appoint him to a six-year term on the Texas Transportation Commission in 1997. Nichols was appointed again in 2003 by former Texas Governor Rick Perry, and continued to serve until he resigned to prepare for a bid for the Texas Senate.

Bid for the Texas Senate

Nichols faced stiff competition in Bob Reeves of Center; David Kleimann of Willis; and Frank Denton of Conroe in the Republican Primary. Nichols managed a 54% win, thus avoiding a runoff.

Due to the strong Republican tilt in Texas Senate District 3, Nichols' narrow win effectively was tantamount to winning the general election, which he did.

Service outside the Texas Senate

Nichols served as a board member of the now defunct Lon Morris College in Jacksonville, Texas; the East Texas Medical Center and the Nan Travis Hospital Foundation, as chairman of the Jacksonville Economic Development Corporation.

Personal life

Nichols and his high school sweetheart, Donna, have been married for 31 years. They are parents of three children, Brittney, Joshua and Collynn’rae. Robert Nichols is also the son of the co-founder of Nichols Industries, Inc., Talley Nichols, which was one of the largest manufacturers of toy cap guns in the 1940s, 50's and 60's. Nichols is a member of First United Methodist Church in Jacksonville.

Electoral history

2006

Texas general election, 2006: Senate District 3[1]
Party Candidate Votes % ±
Republican Robert Nichols 119,629 83.13 +11.77
Majority 119,629 100.00 +55.18
Turnout 119,629 -12.03
Republican hold
Republican primary, 2006: Senate District 3[2]
Candidate Votes % ±
Frank Denton 5,635 15.15
Dave Kleimann 6,716 18.05
✓ Robert Nichols 20,176 54.24
Bob Reeves 4,674 12.56
Majority 13,460 36.18
Turnout 37,201

References

  1. ↑ "2006 General Election". Office of the Secretary of State (Texas). Archived from the original on 2014-01-09. Retrieved 2007-01-01.
  2. ↑ "2006 Republican Party Primary Election". Office of the Secretary of State (Texas). Archived from the original on 2014-01-09. Retrieved 2006-01-02.
Texas Senate
Preceded by
Todd Staples		 Texas State Senator
from District 3 (Jacksonville)
2007-present		 Incumbent
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