2012 United States Senate election in Florida
The 2012 United States Senate election in Florida was held on November 6, 2012, alongside a presidential election, other elections to the United States Congress, as well as various state and local elections. The primary election was held August 14, 2012. Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Bill Nelson won reelection to a third term, defeating Republican U.S. Representative Connie Mack IV by 13%, winning 55% to 42%. Nelson defeated Mack by over 1 million votes. 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.
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Bill Nelson, incumbent U.S. Senator
- Glenn Burkett
Results
Republican primary
Candidates
Qualified
- Connie Mack IV, U.S. Representative
- Mike McCalister, university professor and candidate for governor in 2010
- Marielena Stuart, conservative activist and journalist
- Dave Weldon, former U.S. Representative
Withdrew
- Alexander George, businessman, political activist and minister
- Mike Haridopolos, President of the Florida Senate
- Adam Hasner, former Florida House of Representatives majority leader
- Craig Miller, former CEO of Ruth's Chris Steak House and unsuccessful 2010 candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives
- Ron Rushing, businessman
- George LeMieux, former U.S. Senator
Declined
- Jeffrey Atwater, Chief Financial Officer of Florida
- Allan Bense, former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives
- Vern Buchanan, U.S. Representative
- Jeb Bush, former Florida governor
- Dean Cannon, Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives
- Nicholas M. Loeb, businessman
- Will McBride, attorney and candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2006
- Tom Rooney, U.S. Representative
- Chris Ruddy, founder and CEO of Newsmax
- Allen West, U.S. Representative
Polling
Endorsements
Results
General election
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, 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, incumbent U.S. Senator
- Connie Mack IV, U.S. Congressman
- Chris Borgia, Iraq War Veteran
- Bill Gaylor, owner, Bill and Sheila Gaylor Insurance
Debates
- , October 17, 2012 - C-SPAN
Fundraising
Top contributors
Top industries
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. In Florida, the money was to be spent by its affiliate, American Crossroads.Predictions
Polling
Hypothetical polling | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Republican primary Results |