United_States_Senate_election_in_Florida,_2012
The 2012 United States Senate election in Florida was held on November 6, 2012, alongside a presidential election, other elections to the House and Senate, as well as various state and local elections. The primary election was held August 14, 2012. Incumbent Senator Bill Nelson won reelection to a third term, defeating Republican U.S. Representative Connie Mack IV (whose father, Connie Mack III was Nelson's direct predecessor in that Senate seat) by 13%, winning 55% to 42%. Nelson defeated Mack by over 1 million votes.
For related races, see 2012 United States Senate elections.
Quick Facts Turnout, Nominee ...
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| Turnout | 63.5% (voting eligible)[1] | ||||||||||||||||
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 County results Congressional district resultsMack: 40–50% 50–60% 60–70% | |||||||||||||||||
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Until Donald Trump won 4.6 million votes in the 2016 presidential election and Marco Rubio won 4.8 million votes in the 2016 Senate election, Nelson recorded the most votes in Florida history. As of 2023[update], this was the last time that a Democrat won a U.S. Senate election in Florida. This is also the last time a Democrat carried the following counties in a statewide election: Brevard, Flagler, Franklin, Hamilton, Hendry, Hernando, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Okeechobee, Pasco, Polk, Sarasota, and Volusia.
Candidates
- Bill Nelson, incumbent U.S. Senator
- Glenn Burkett[3]
Results
More information Party, Candidate ...
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Bill Nelson (incumbent) | 684,804 | 78.7 | |
| Democratic | Glenn Burkett | 184,815 | 21.3 | |
| Total votes | 869,619 | 100.0 | ||
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Candidates
Qualified
- Connie Mack IV, U.S. Representative from Fort Myers[4][5]
- Mike McCalister, university professor and candidate for governor in 2010[6]
- Marielena Stuart, conservative activist and journalist[7]
- Dave Weldon, former U.S. Representative from Indialantic[8]
Withdrew
- Alexander George, businessman, political activist and minister[9]
- Mike Haridopolos, President of the Florida Senate[10]
- Adam Hasner, former Florida House of Representatives majority leader[11] (running for U.S. House of Representatives)[12]
- Craig Miller, former CEO of Ruth's Chris Steak House and unsuccessful 2010 candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives (running for U.S. House of Representatives)[13]
- Ron Rushing, businessman (running for state senate)[14]
- George LeMieux, former U.S. Senator[15]
Declined
- Jeff Atwater, Chief Financial Officer of Florida[16]
- Allan Bense, former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives[17]
- Vern Buchanan, U.S. Representative[18]
- Jeb Bush, former Florida governor[19]
- Dean Cannon, Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives[20]
- Nicholas M. Loeb, businessman[21]
- Will McBride, attorney and candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2006[22]
- Tom Rooney, U.S. Representative[23]
- Chris Ruddy, founder and CEO of Newsmax[24]
- Allen West, U.S. Representative[25][26]
Polling
More information Poll source, Date(s)administered ...
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
George LeMieux |
Connie Mack IV |
Mike McCalister |
Dave Weldon |
Someone else |
Other/ Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Policy Polling | May 31 – June 3, 2012 | 448 | ±4.6% | 13% | 34% | 10% | 6% | 9% | 28% |
| Quinnipiac Archived June 23, 2012, at the Wayback Machine | June 12–18, 2012 | 698 | ±3.7% | 8% | 41% | 5% | 3% | 1% | 39% |
| Public Policy Polling | July 26–29, 2012 | 500 | ±4.4% | — | 47% | 10% | 14% | 6% | 23% |
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Endorsements
George LeMieux
- Haley Barbour, former Governor of Mississippi[citation needed]
- State Senator Paula Dockery[27]
- State Senator Nancy Detert[27]
- State Senator Rene Garcia[28]
- State Representative Clay Ford[27]
- State Representative Fred Costello[28]
- State Representative Charles Van Zant[28]
- Businessman and former 2012 Presidential Candidate Herman Cain [citation needed]
Connie Mack IV
- Mitt Romney, presumptive nominee of the Republican Party for President of the United States in the 2012 election and former Governor of Massachusetts.[29]
- Jeb Bush, former Governor of Florida, brother of President George W. Bush and Son of President George H. W. Bush (R-FL)[30]
- Connie Mack III, former U.S. Senator (R-FL) and Mack's father[citation needed]
- Mary Bono Mack, U.S. Congresswoman (R-CA) and Mack's wife[citation needed]
- Ron Paul, U.S congressman and 2012 Presidential Candidate
- Rand Paul, U.S. Senator (R-KY)[31]
- Mike Lee, U.S. Senator (R-UT)[32]
- Luis Fortuno, Governor of Puerto Rico[33]
- Jeff Miller, U.S. Representative[34]
- Tom Rooney, U.S. Representative[35]
- Pam Bondi, Attorney General of Florida[36]
- Adam Putnam, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and former Congressman[37]
- Sean Hannity, author and talk show host[38]
- Mike Haridopolos, State Senator and Senate President (R-FL)[39]
- GOProud[40]
Results
Mack
- 40–50%
- 50–60%
- 60–70%
- 70–80%
Weldon
- 50–60%
More information Party, Candidate ...
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Connie Mack IV | 657,331 | 58.7 | |
| Republican | Dave Weldon | 226,083 | 20.2 | |
| Republican | Mike McCalister | 155,421 | 13.9 | |
| Republican | Marielena Stuart | 81,808 | 7.3 | |
| Total votes | 1,120,643 | 100.0 | ||
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From a long way out, Nelson appeared to be vulnerable, with some earlier polls showing Mack leading. However, in the last few weeks with new polls conducted, it appeared as though Nelson was headed for a victory. The last poll placed him five percentage points ahead of Mack; Nelson would win easily by 13 percentage points. Nelson performed well in Southeast Florida (the Miami area), Tampa, Gainesville, typically Democratic areas. Nelson however managed to win in areas that typically lean Republican. For example, Nelson won in Duval County home of Jacksonville, and Volusia County home of Daytona Beach. Nelson's ability to outperform President Obama led to him winning the election easily. Obama would still win Florida, but by just about 74,000 votes, and less than a percentage point. Nelson began his third term in the Senate on January 3, 2013.
Candidates
- Bill Nelson (Democratic), incumbent U.S. Senator
- Connie Mack IV (Republican), U.S. Congressman
- Chris Borgia (Independent), Iraq War Veteran[41]
- Bill Gaylor (Independent), owner, Bill and Sheila Gaylor Insurance[42]
Debates
Only one debate was held, hosted by Leadership Florida/Florida Press Association occurred on October 17 at the Nova Southeastern University campus in Davie.
- Complete video of debate, October 17, 2012 - C-SPAN
Fundraising
More information Candidate (party), Receipts ...
| Candidate (party) | Receipts | Disbursements | Cash on hand | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bill Nelson (D) | $13,404,998 | $15,494,167 | $994,324 | $0 |
| Connie Mack (R) | $7,272,224 | $7,526,150 | $155,076 | $81,880 |
| Chris Borgia (I) | $12,344 | $12,198 | $145 | $9,950 |
| Bill Gaylor (I) | $19,604 | $19,195 | $0 | $0 |
| Source: Federal Election Commission[43][44][45][46] | ||||
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Top contributors
More information Bill Nelson, Contribution ...
| Bill Nelson | Contribution | Connie Mack | Contribution | Bill Gaylor | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morgan & Morgan | $138,150 | Club for Growth | $189,168 | Bill & Sheila Gaylor Insurance Professionals | $7,905 |
| Finmeccanica S.p.A. | $71,967 | Elliott Management Corporation | $46,997 | Circle Redmont | $1,432 |
| InDyne, Inc. | $64,735 | Koch Industries | $33,500 | ||
| Harris Corporation | $59,750 | Vestar Capital Partners | $32,000 | ||
| Akerman Senterfitt LLP | $59,300 | Island Doctors | $27,400 | ||
| Greenberg Traurig | $52,589 | Adams & Diaco | $25,000 | ||
| Kindred Healthcare | $21,000 | Health Management Associates | $21,000 | ||
| Holland & Knight | $46,747 | Flo-Sun Inc | $18,500 | ||
| Leon Medical Centers | $45,800 | US Sugar Corporation | $18,000 | ||
| Vestar Capital Partners | $40,650 | MasTec, Inc. | $17,800 | ||
| Source: OpenSecrets[47] | |||||
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Top industries
More information Bill Nelson, Contribution ...
| Bill Nelson | Contribution | Connie Mack | Contribution | Bill Gaylor | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawyers/Law firms | $2,383,484 | Retired | $885,121 | Retired | $1,500 |
| Retired | $938,280 | Republican/Conservative | $412,944 | ||
| Real Estate | $606,253 | Financial Institutions | $360,334 | ||
| Health Professionals | $529,282 | Real Estate | $298,642 | ||
| Lobbyists | $493,087 | Leadership PACs | $280,500 | ||
| Financial Institutions | $418,915 | Misc Finance | $216,836 | ||
| Hospitals/Nursing Homes | $364,617 | Health Professionals | $199,159 | ||
| Leadership PACs | $337,000 | Lawyers/Law Firms | $169,921 | ||
| Insurance Industry | $319,788 | Petroleum Industry | $136,400 | ||
| Health Services/HMOs | $276,500 | Business Services | $128,777 | ||
| Source: OpenSecrets[48] | |||||
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Independent expenditures
In early October 2012, Crossroads GPS announced it would launch a $16 million advertising buy in national races, of which four were this and three other Senate elections.[49] In Florida, the money was to be spent by its affiliate, American Crossroads.[49]
Predictions
More information Source, Ranking ...
| Source | Ranking | As of |
|---|---|---|
| The Cook Political Report[50] | Lean D | November 1, 2012 |
| Sabato's Crystal Ball[51] | Likely D | November 5, 2012 |
| Rothenberg Political Report[52] | Likely D | November 2, 2012 |
| Real Clear Politics[53] | Lean D | November 5, 2012 |
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Polling
More information Poll source, Date(s)administered ...
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Bill Nelson (D) |
Connie Mack IV (R) |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Policy Polling | October 9–10, 2010 | 448 | ±4.6% | 42% | 33% | — | 25% |
| Public Policy Polling | December 17–20, 2010 | 1,034 | ±3.0% | 44% | 36% | — | 20% |
| Mason-Dixon | February 9–10, 2011 | 625 | ±4.0% | 45% | 40% | — | 15% |
| Public Policy Polling | March 24–27, 2011 | 500 | ±4.4% | 47% | 34% | — | 18% |
| Quinnipiac | October 31 – November 7, 2011 | 1,185 | ±2.9% | 42% | 40% | 1% | 16% |
| Rasmussen Reports | November 17, 2011 | 500 | ±4.5% | 39% | 43% | 5% | 13% |
| Public Policy Polling | November 28 – December 1, 2011 | 700 | ±3.7% | 46% | 35% | — | 19% |
| Quinnipiac Archived September 2, 2012, at the Wayback Machine | January 4–8, 2012 | 1,412 | ±2.6% | 41% | 40% | 1% | 16% |
| Suffolk University Archived March 17, 2013, at the Wayback Machine | January 22–24, 2012 | 600 | ±4.4% | 42% | 32% | 1% | 25% |
| Mason-Dixon[permanent dead link] | January 24–26, 2012 | 800 | ±3.5% | 45% | 42% | — | 13% |
| Rasmussen Reports | February 13, 2012 | 500 | ±4.5% | 41% | 41% | 5% | 12% |
| Rasmussen Reports | March 13, 2012 | 500 | ±4.5% | 36% | 43% | 5% | 16% |
| Quinnipiac Archived March 30, 2012, at the Wayback Machine | March 20–26, 2012 | 1,228 | ±2.8% | 44% | 36% | 3% | 17% |
| Public Policy Polling | April 12–15, 2012 | 700 | ±3.7% | 47% | 37% | — | 17% |
| Rasmussen Reports | April 25, 2012 | 500 | ±4.5% | 47% | 36% | 10% | 7% |
| Quinnipiac Archived May 25, 2012, at the Wayback Machine | May 15–21, 2012 | 1,722 | ±2.4% | 41% | 42% | 3% | 15% |
| Marist | May 17–20, 2012 | 1,078 | ±3.0% | 46% | 42% | — | 12% |
| Public Policy Polling | May 31 – June 3, 2012 | 642 | ±3.9% | 49% | 36% | — | 15% |
| Quinnipiac Archived June 23, 2012, at the Wayback Machine | June 12–18, 2012 | 1,697 | ±2.4% | 43% | 39% | — | 15% |
| Quinnipiac Archived October 8, 2012, at the Wayback Machine | June 19–25, 2012 | 1,200 | ±2.8% | 41% | 40% | 1% | 17% |
| Rasmussen Reports | July 9, 2012 | 500 | ±4.5% | 37% | 46% | 7% | 10% |
| Mason-Dixon | July 9–11, 2012 | 800 | ±3.5% | 47% | 42% | — | 11% |
| Survey USA | July 17–19, 2012 | 647 | ±3.9% | 42% | 48% | 2% | 8% |
| Public Policy Polling | July 26–29, 2012 | 871 | ±3.3% | 45% | 43% | — | 13% |
| Quinnipiac Archived August 1, 2012, at the Wayback Machine | July 24–30, 2012 | 1,177 | ±2.9% | 47% | 40% | 1% | 12% |
| Rasmussen Reports | August 15, 2012 | 500 | ±4.5% | 47% | 40% | 3% | 10% |
| Quinnipiac Archived September 27, 2012, at the Wayback Machine | August 15–21, 2012 | 1,241 | ±2.8% | 50% | 41% | — | 9% |
| Public Policy Polling | August 31 – September 2, 2012 | 1,548 | ±2.5% | 45% | 38% | — | 17% |
| SurveyUSA | September 7–9, 2012 | 596 | ±4.1% | 47% | 36% | 3% | 9% |
| NBC/WSJ/Marist Poll | September 9–11, 2012 | 980 | ±3.1% | 51% | 37% | — | 12% |
| Rasmussen Reports | September 12, 2012 | 500 | ±4.5% | 47% | 40% | 5% | 8% |
| Fox News Poll | September 16–18, 2012 | 829 | ±3.0% | 49% | 35% | 2% | 12% |
| TBT/Miami Herald | September 17–19, 2012 | 800 | ±3.5% | 48% | 40% | — | 11% |
| Suffolk University | September 27–30, 2012 | 600 | ±4.0% | 40% | 34% | 5% | 20% |
| NBC/WSJ/Marist Poll | September 30 – October 1, 2012 | 890 | ±3.3% | 52% | 41% | — | 7% |
| Rasmussen Reports | October 4, 2012 | 500 | ±4.5% | 52% | 41% | 1% | 6% |
| University of North Florida Archived May 18, 2013, at the Wayback Machine | October 1–9, 2012 | 800 | ±3.5% | 50% | 40% | — | 10% |
| NBC/WSJ/Marist Poll | October 7–9, 2012 | 988 | ±3.1% | 52% | 39% | — | 9% |
| TBT/Miami Herald | October 8–10, 2012 | 800 | ±3.5% | 47% | 42% | 4% | 7% |
| Rasmussen Reports | October 11, 2012 | 750 | ±4.0% | 46% | 45% | 5% | 5% |
| Public Policy Polling | October 12–14, 2012 | 791 | ±3.4% | 45% | 37% | — | 18% |
| SurveyUSA | October 17–18, 2012 | 600 | ±4.1% | 48% | 40% | 4% | 8% |
| Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers/WPTV | October 17–18, 2012 | 800 | ±4.0% | 45% | 41% | — | 14% |
| Rasmussen Reports | October 18, 2012 | 750 | ±4.0% | 48% | 43% | 2% | 7% |
| Angus Reid Public Opinion | October 18–20, 2012 | 502 | ±4.5% | 56% | 39% | 4% | — |
| Pharos Research | October 19–21, 2012 | 759 | ±3.6% | 52% | 44% | — | 5% |
| Sunshine State News/VSS | October 22–24, 2012 | 1,001 | ±3.1% | 49% | 44% | — | 7% |
| Mason-Dixon | October 22–24, 2012 | 625 | ±4.0% | 47% | 44% | — | 9% |
| Rasmussen Reports | October 25, 2012 | 750 | ±4.0% | 49% | 46% | 2% | 3% |
| WFLA-TV/SurveyUSA | October 25–27, 2012 | 595 | ±4.1% | 48% | 41% | 4% | 7% |
| CBS/Quinnipiac University | October 23–28, 2012 | 1,073 | ±3.0% | 52% | 39% | — | 9% |
| Public Policy Polling | October 26–28, 2012 | 687 | ±3.7% | 50% | 42% | — | 9% |
| Zogby/Newsmax Archived December 4, 2013, at the Wayback Machine | October 26–28, 2012 | 827 | ±3.5% | 50% | 41% | — | 9% |
| Zogby/Newsmax Archived November 3, 2012, at the Wayback Machine | October 27–29, 2012 | 828 | ±3.5% | 50% | 41% | — | 9% |
| Gravis Marketing Archived November 3, 2012, at the Wayback Machine | October 30, 2012 | 549 | ±4.2% | 49% | 46% | — | 5% |
| Reuters/Ipsos | October 29–31, 2012 | 716 | ±4.2% | 52% | 42% | 1% | 6% |
| NBC/WSJ/Marist | October 30 – November 1, 2012 | 1,545 | ±2.5% | 52% | 43% | 1% | 5% |
| Mason-Dixon | October 30 – November 1, 2012 | 800 | ±3.5% | 49% | 43% | 4% | — |
| Angus Reid Public Opinion | November 1–3, 2012 | 525 | ±4.3% | 53% | 45% | 2% | — |
| Public Policy Polling | November 3–4, 2012 | 955 | ±3.2% | 51% | 46% | — | 3% |
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More information Poll source, Date(s)administered ...
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Adam Hasner |
George LeMieux |
Connie Mack IV |
Mike McCalister |
Craig Miller |
Other/ Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quinnipiac | July 27 – August 2, 2011 | 510 | ±4.3% | 6% | 12% | — | 15% | 8% | 60% |
| Quinnipiac | September 14–19, 2011 | 374 | ±5.1% | 5% | 17% | — | 5% | 11% | 62% |
| Public Policy Polling | September 22–25, 2011 | 472 | ±4.5% | 9% | 13% | — | 17% | 3% | 58% |
| Quinnipiac | October 31 – November 7, 2011 | 513 | ±4.3% | 2% | 9% | 32% | 6% | 2% | 51% |
| Public Policy Polling | November 28–30, 2011 | 470 | ±4.5% | 3% | 12% | 40% | 4% | 3% | 38% |
| Dixie Strategies/First Coast News | January 23–25, 2012 | 2,567 | ±1.93% | 3.81% | 6.91% | 28.88% | 3.36% | 1.78% | 55.26% |
| Mason-Dixon[permanent dead link] | January 24–26, 2012 | 500 | ±4.5% | 4% | 12% | 38% | 7% | 1% | 38% |
| Miami Herald/War Room Logistics | January 27, 2012 | 1,632 | ±2.5% | 2.7% | 6.2% | 33.0% | 3.2% | 2.3% | 52.6% |
| Public Policy Polling | January 28, 2012 | 387 | ±5.0% | 4% | 6% | 36% | 5% | 3% | 46% |
| Public Policy Polling | January 28–29, 2012 | 733 | ±3.6% | 4% | 8% | 36% | 5% | 3% | 44% |
| Public Policy Polling | January 28–30, 2012 | 1,087 | ±3% | 3% | 8% | 39% | 4% | 3% | 42% |
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More information Poll source, Date(s)administered ...
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Mike Haridopolos |
Adam Hasner |
George LeMieux |
Mike McCalister |
Other/ Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunshine State Communications | May 12–13, 2011 | 458 | ±4.58% | 11% | 0% | 9% | 4% | 64% |
| Quinnipiac | May 17–23, 2011 | 463 | ±4.6% | 13% | 4% | 14% | — | 64% |
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More information Poll source, Date(s)administered ...
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Vern Buchanan |
Jennifer Carroll |
Mike Haridopolos |
Adam Hasner |
George LeMieux |
Nick Loeb |
Will McBride |
Mike McCalister |
Joe Scarborough |
Daniel Webster |
Other/ Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suffolk University/7 News Archived November 28, 2011, at the Wayback Machine | April 10–12, 2011 | 217 | ±4% | 5% | 3% | 2% | 1% | 4% | 1% | 3% | 0% | 6% | 7% | 67% |
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More information Poll source, Date(s)administered ...
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Bill Nelson (D) |
Vern Buchanan (R) |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mason-Dixon | August 18–22, 2011 | 625 | ±4.0% | 45% | 35% | — | 20% |
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More information Poll source, Date(s)administered ...
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Bill Nelson (D) |
Jeb Bush (R) |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Policy Polling | July 16–18, 2010 | 900 | ±3.26% | 46% | 44% | — | 9% |
| Public Policy Polling | December 17–20, 2010 | 1,034 | ±3.0% | 44% | 49% | — | 7% |
| Mason-Dixon | February 9–10, 2011 | 625 | ±4.0% | 41% | 49% | — | 10% |
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More information Poll source, Date(s)administered ...
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Bill Nelson (D) |
Mike Haridopolos (R) |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Policy Polling | December 17–20, 2010 | 1,034 | ±3.0% | 44% | 32% | — | 24% |
| Mason-Dixon | February 9–10, 2011 | 625 | ±4.0% | 48% | 27% | — | 25% |
| Public Policy Polling | March 24–27, 2011 | 500 | ±4.4% | 50% | 34% | — | 17% |
| Quinnipiac | May 17–23, 2011 | 1,196 | ±2.8% | 47% | 26% | 2% | 22% |
| Public Policy Polling | June 16–19, 2011 | 848 | ±3.4% | 47% | 35% | — | 18% |
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More information Poll source, Date(s)administered ...
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Bill Nelson (D) |
Adam Hasner (R) |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Policy Polling | December 17–20, 2010 | 1,034 | ±3.0% | 46% | 30% | — | 25% |
| Mason-Dixon | February 9–10, 2011 | 625 | ±4.0% | 46% | 24% | — | 30% |
| Public Policy Polling | March 24–27, 2011 | 500 | ±4.4% | 48% | 32% | — | 20% |
| Quinnipiac | May 17–23, 2011 | 1,196 | ±2.8% | 48% | 23% | 3% | 24% |
| Public Policy Polling | June 16–19, 2011 | 848 | ±3.4% | 47% | 35% | — | 19% |
| Mason-Dixon | August 18–22, 2011 | 625 | ±4.0% | 45% | 34% | — | 21% |
| Public Policy Polling | September 22–25, 2011 | 476 | ±4.5% | 49% | 35% | — | 16% |
| Rasmussen Reports | November 17, 2011 | 500 | ±4.5% | 40% | 31% | 9% | 19% |
| Public Policy Polling | November 28 – December 1, 2011 | 700 | ±3.7% | 48% | 33% | — | 19% |
| Suffolk University Archived March 17, 2013, at the Wayback Machine | January 22–24, 2012 | 600 | ±4.4% | 47% | 23% | 2% | 28% |
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More information Poll source, Date(s)administered ...
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Bill Nelson (D) |
George LeMieux (R) |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Policy Polling | July 16–18, 2010 | 900 | ±3.26% | 49% | 28% | — | 23% |
| Public Policy Polling | December 17–20, 2010 | 1,034 | ±3.0% | 47% | 36% | — | 17% |
| Mason-Dixon | February 9–10, 2011 | 625 | ±4.0% | 49% | 35% | — | 16% |
| Public Policy Polling | March 24–27, 2011 | 500 | ±4.4% | 48% | 33% | — | 19% |
| Quinnipiac | May 17–23, 2011 | 1,196 | ±2.8% | 47% | 27% | 2% | 22% |
| Public Policy Polling | June 16–19, 2011 | 848 | ±3.4% | 46% | 35% | — | 19% |
| Mason-Dixon | August 18–22, 2011 | 625 | ±4.0% | 49% | 34% | — | 17% |
| Public Policy Polling | September 22–25, 2011 | 476 | ±4.5% | 49% | 35% | — | 15% |
| Rasmussen Reports | November 17, 2011 | 500 | ±4.5% | 39% | 33% | 10% | 18% |
| Public Policy Polling | November 28 – December 1, 2011 | 700 | ±3.7% | 47% | 32% | — | 20% |
| Suffolk University Archived March 17, 2013, at the Wayback Machine | January 22–24, 2012 | 600 | ±4.4% | 46% | 22% | 2% | 30% |
| Mason-Dixon[permanent dead link] | January 24–26, 2012 | 800 | ±3.5% | 48% | 33% | — | 19% |
| Rasmussen Reports | February 13, 2012 | 500 | ±4.5% | 45% | 35% | 5% | 15% |
| Rasmussen Reports | March 13, 2012 | 500 | ±4.5% | 41% | 38% | 5% | 17% |
| Public Policy Polling | April 12–15, 2012 | 700 | ±3.7% | 48% | 34% | — | 18% |
| Rasmussen Reports | April 25, 2012 | 500 | ±4.5% | 44% | 30% | 9% | 17% |
| Marist | May 17–20, 2012 | 1,078 | ±3% | 46% | 42% | — | 12% |
| Public Policy Polling | May 31 – June 3, 2012 | 642 | ±3.9% | 48% | 35% | — | 17% |
| Quinnipiac Archived June 23, 2012, at the Wayback Machine | June 12–18, 2012 | 1,697 | ±2.4% | 47% | 32% | 1% | 17% |
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More information Poll source, Date(s)administered ...
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Bill Nelson (D) |
Rush Limbaugh (R) |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Policy Polling | October 9–10, 2010 | 448 | ±4.6% | 50% | 36% | — | 14% |
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More information Poll source, Date(s)administered ...
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Bill Nelson (D) |
Mike McCalister (R) |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Policy Polling | July 26–29, 2012 | 871 | ±3.3% | 45% | 40% | — | 15% |
| Quinnipiac Archived June 23, 2012, at the Wayback Machine | June 12–18, 2012 | 1,697 | ±2.4% | 45% | 34% | 1% | 18% |
| Public Policy Polling | May 31 – June 3, 2012 | 642 | ±3.9% | 47% | 33% | — | 20% |
| Rasmussen Reports | April 25, 2012 | 500 | ±4.5% | 48% | 29% | 7% | 15% |
| Public Policy Polling | April 12–15, 2012 | 700 | ±3.7% | 47% | 35% | — | 19% |
| Rasmussen Reports | March 13, 2012 | 500 | ±4.5% | 42% | 38% | 4% | 15% |
| Rasmussen Reports | February 13, 2012 | 500 | ±4.5% | 43% | 37% | 5% | 15% |
| Suffolk University Archived March 17, 2013, at the Wayback Machine | January 22–24, 2012 | 600 | ±4.4% | 45% | 26% | 2% | 28% |
| Public Policy Polling | November 28 – December 1, 2011 | 700 | ±3.7% | 47% | 32% | — | 21% |
| Public Policy Polling | September 22–25, 2011 | 476 | ±4.5% | 47% | 34% | — | 19% |
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More information Poll source, Date(s)administered ...
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Bill Nelson (D) |
Craig Miller (R) |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Policy Polling | November 28 – December 1, 2011 | 700 | ±3.7% | 49% | 30% | — | 21% |
| Public Policy Polling | September 22–25, 2011 | 476 | ±4.5% | 49% | 32% | — | 19% |
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More information Poll source, Date(s)administered ...
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Bill Nelson (D) |
Joe Scarborough (R) |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Policy Polling | March 24–27, 2011 | 500 | ±4.4% | 45% | 32% | — | 22% |
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More information Poll source, Date(s)administered ...
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Bill Nelson (D) |
Jimmy Wales (R) |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Policy Polling | March 24–27, 2011 | 500 | ±4.4% | 47% | 28% | — | 25% |
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More information Poll source, Date(s)administered ...
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Bill Nelson (D) |
Dave Weldon (R) |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Policy Polling | July 26–29, 2012 | 871 | ±3.3% | 46% | 39% | — | 15% |
| Quinnipiac Archived June 23, 2012, at the Wayback Machine | June 12–18, 2012 | 1,697 | ±2.4% | 47% | 31% | 1% | 19% |
| Public Policy Polling | May 31 – June 3, 2012 | 642 | ±3.9% | 47% | 31% | — | 22% |
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More information Poll source, Date(s)administered ...
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Bill Nelson (D) |
Allen West (R) |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mason-Dixon | August 18–22, 2011 | 625 | ±4.0% | 44% | 38% | — | 18% |
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Hypothetical polling
Republican primary
General election
Results
More information Party, Candidate ...
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Bill Nelson (incumbent) | 4,523,451 | 55.23% | -5.07% | |
| Republican | Connie Mack IV | 3,458,267 | 42.23% | +4.13% | |
| Independent | Bill Gaylor | 126,079 | 1.54% | N/A | |
| Independent | Chris Borgia | 82,089 | 1.00% | N/A | |
| Write-in | 60 | 0.0 | N/A | ||
| Total votes | 8,189,946 | 100.00% | N/A | ||
| Democratic hold | |||||
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Counties that flipped from Democratic to Republican
- Calhoun (Largest city: Blountstown)
- Citrus (Largest city: Homosassa Springs)
- Dixie (Largest city: Cross City)
- Gilchrist (Largest city: Trenton)
- Glades (Largest city: Moore Haven)
- Gulf (Largest city: Port St. Joe)
- Levy (Largest city: Williston)
- Putnam (Largest city: Palatka)
- Sumter (Largest city: The Villages)
- Taylor (Largest city: Perry)
- Wakulla (Largest city: Sopchoppy)
- Jackson (Largest city: Marianna)
- Bradford (Largest city: Starke)
- Charlotte (Largest city: Charlotte)
- Columbia (Largest city: Lake City)
- DeSoto (Largest city: Arcadia)
- Escambia (Largest city: Pensacola)
- Hardee (Largest city: Wachula)
- Highlands (Largest city: Sebring)
- Indian River (Largest city: Sebastian)
- Lafayette (Largest city: Mayo)
- Lake (Largest city: Clermont)
- Lee (Largest city: Cape Coral)
- Suwannee (Largest city: Live Oak)
- Union (Largest city: Lake Butler)
- Washington (Largest city: Chipley)
By congressional district
Nelson won 20 of 27 congressional districts, including ten that elected Republicans.[55]
More information District, Nelson ...
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- Dr. Michael McDonald (February 9, 2013). "2012 General Election Turnout Rates". George Mason University. Archived from the original on April 24, 2013. Retrieved April 3, 2013.
- Siegel, Elyse (November 6, 2012). "Bill Nelson Election Results: Democrat Defeats Connie Mack In Florida Senate Race". Huffingtonpost.com. Retrieved November 7, 2012.
- "Candidate Tracking system - Florida Division of Elections - Department of State". Election.dos.state.fl.us. Archived from the original on December 24, 2012. Retrieved November 7, 2012.
- "Rep. Connie Mack IV Announces Run for U.S. Senate". Fox News. November 28, 2011.
- Leary, Alex (November 23, 2010). "Sen. Bill Nelson gets his first official Republican challenger for 2012". TampaBay.com. Archived from the original on October 13, 2012. Retrieved November 24, 2010.
- Powers, Scott (August 18, 2011). "Marielena Stuart joins U.S. Senate race". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on December 18, 2011. Retrieved August 20, 2011.
- Caputo, Marc (May 18, 2012). "It's official: Dave Weldon to run for U.S. Senate in Florida". The Miami Herald. Retrieved May 18, 2012.
- Leary, Alex (July 18, 2011). "Haridopolos drops out of U.S. Senate race". Tampabay.com. Archived from the original on August 9, 2011. Retrieved July 18, 2011.
- "Florida: Craig Miller Drops Senate Bid, Runs for House | At the Races". Archived from the original on February 1, 2012. Retrieved January 30, 2012.
- "George LeMieux out of Senate race". CFN 13 Orlando. Archived from the original on June 25, 2012. Retrieved June 20, 2012.
- Smith, Adam C. (April 22, 2012). "CFO Jeff Atwater announces he will not run for U.S. Senate". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved April 21, 2012.
- "Buchanan Closes Door on Senate Run – Hotline On Call". Archived from the original on October 3, 2011. Retrieved September 27, 2011.
- March, William (December 3, 2010). "Several Republicans may vie to take on Bill Nelson in 2012". The Tampa Tribune. Retrieved December 5, 2010.
- Caputo, Marc (November 17, 2011). "Citing ill-health, Sofia Vergara's bf won't run for U.S. Senate". St. Petersburg Times. Archived from the original on May 18, 2015. Retrieved November 17, 2011.
- Leary, Alex (April 30, 2012). "Will McBride, a Senate candidate again, but with lower goal". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on May 8, 2012. Retrieved May 13, 2012.
- Wallace, Jeremy (February 11, 2011). "Rooney not ready for U.S. Senate run". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Archived from the original on February 20, 2011. Retrieved February 11, 2011.
- Bennett, George (August 7, 2011). "NewsMax's Chris Ruddy rejects suggestion he run for GOP Senate nomination". The Palm Beach Post. Archived from the original on April 24, 2012. Retrieved May 13, 2012.
- "West: I'm Not Running For Senate – Hotline On Call". Archived from the original on November 5, 2011. Retrieved August 22, 2011.
- "LeMieux wins endorsements of three legislators – Central Florida Political Pulse – Orlando Sentinel". Archived from the original on December 18, 2011. Retrieved September 27, 2011.
- "George LeMieux receives endorsement of three more FL lawmakers, Sen. Garcia & Reps Fred Costello and Charles Van Zant | Saint Petersblog". Archived from the original on June 3, 2012. Retrieved November 13, 2011.
- "Romney Endorses Mack For Senate « CBS Miami". Miami.cbslocal.com. May 16, 2012. Retrieved November 7, 2012.
- "Jeb Bush endorses Mack in Florida US Senate race – WFTX-TV Fort Myers/Naples, FL". Fox4now.com. Associated Press. June 6, 2012. Archived from the original on January 23, 2013. Retrieved November 7, 2012.
- Derby, Kevin (June 5, 2012). "Tea party favorite Mike Lee endorses Connie Mack in Florida". Sunshine State News. Retrieved November 7, 2012.
- "Mack is endorsed by Puerto Rico's governor – Central Florida Political Pulse – Orlando Sentinel". Blogs.orlandosentinel.com. May 22, 2012. Archived from the original on June 25, 2012. Retrieved November 7, 2012.
- Miller, Joshua (December 12, 2011). "Jeff Miller Endorses Connie Mack IV for Senate". Roll Call. Retrieved December 12, 2011.
- Derby, Kevin (June 11, 2012). "Tom Rooney endorses Connie Mack". Sunshine State News. Retrieved November 7, 2012.
- "Pam Bondi endorses Mack: he will "protect the constitution" – Central Florida Political Pulse – Orlando Sentinel". Blogs.orlandosentinel.com. June 13, 2012. Archived from the original on January 31, 2013. Retrieved November 7, 2012.
- The Miami Herald (June 13, 2012). "Another big endorsement for Connie Mack: FL AG Pam Bondi | Naked Politics". Miamiherald.typepad.com. Retrieved November 7, 2012.
- "In Naples, Sean Hannity throws support behind Connie Mack | Florida politics blog: The Buzz | Tampa Bay Times". Archived from the original on November 13, 2011. Retrieved December 8, 2011.
- "Endorsement reversal: Haridopolos backs pal Connie Mack in U.S. Senate race | Post on Politics". Archived from the original on November 6, 2011. Retrieved November 14, 2011.
- "Iraq vet Chris Borgia announces US Senate run (Orlando Sentinel)". Archived from the original on January 14, 2012. Retrieved August 28, 2012.
- Haberman, Maggie (October 2, 2012). "Crossroads launches $16 million buy in Senate, presidential contests". Politico.com. Retrieved October 2, 2012.
- "2012 Senate Race Ratings for November 1, 2012". The Cook Political Report. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
- "2012 Senate". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
- "2012 Senate Ratings". Senate Ratings. The Rothenberg Political Report. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
- "2012 Elections Map - Battle for the Senate 2012". Real Clear Politics. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
- Florida Secretary of State – Division of Elections
- Campaign contributions at OpenSecrets.org
- Outside spending at Sunlight Foundation
- Candidate issue positions at On the Issues
- Official campaign websites (Archived)