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% - 42%. Nelson defeated Mack by over 1 million votes.
Candidates
Bill Nelson, incumbent U.S. Senator
Glenn Burkett
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
Alexander George, businessman, political activist and minister
Mike Haridopolos, President of the Florida Senate
Adam Hasner, former Florida House of Representatives majority leader (Running for U.S. House of Representatives)
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)
Ron Rushing, businessman (Running for state senate)
George LeMieux, former U.S. Senator
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
Candidates
Bill Nelson (Democratic), incumbent U.S. Senator
Connie Mack IV (Republican), U.S. Congressman
Chris Borgia (Independent), Iraq War Veteran
Bill Gaylor (Independent), Owner, Bill and Sheila Gaylor Insurance
A debate hosted by Leadership Florida/Florida Press Association occurred on October 17 at the Nova Southeastern University campus in Davie.
Complete video of debate, C-SPAN, October 17, 2012
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.
