Preceded by Todd Staples Name Robert Nichols Party Republican Party Alma mater Lamar University Education Lamar University | Political party Republican Spouse Donna Nichols Nationality American Role Politician | |
Born November 25, 1944 (age 79) ( 1944-11-25 ) Children Brittney, Joshua and Collynn’rae Profession Small Business Businessman, politician Residence Jacksonville, Texas, United States | ||
Sen robert nichols talks texas transportation congestion fixes prop 1
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.
Contents
- Sen robert nichols talks texas transportation congestion fixes prop 1
- State senator robert nichols
- Early years
- Public service
- Bid for the Texas Senate
- Service outside the Texas Senate
- Personal life
- References
State senator robert nichols
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.