Bill Nelson
For other people named Bill Nelson, see Bill Nelson (disambiguation). Bill Nelson United States Senator from Florida Incumbent Assumed office January 3, 2001 Serving with Marco Rubio Preceded by Connie Mack III Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee In office January 3, 2013 – January 3, 2015 Preceded by Herb Kohl Succeeded by Susan Collins Treasurer of Florida In office January 3, 1995 – January 3, 2001 Governor Lawton Chiles Buddy MacKay Jeb Bush Preceded by Tom Gallagher Succeeded by Tom Gallagher Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Florida's 11th district In office January 3, 1983 – January 3, 1991 Preceded by Dan Mica Succeeded by Jim Bacchus Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Florida's 9th district In office January 3, 1979 – January 3, 1983 Preceded by Louis Frey Succeeded by Michael Bilirakis Personal details Born Clarence William Nelson II (1942-09-29) September 29, 1942 (age 72) Miami, Florida, U.S. Political party Democratic Spouse(s) Grace Cavert (1972–present) Children Charles William Nan Ellen Residence Orlando, Florida Alma mater Yale University University of Virginia Religion Episcopalianism Website Senate website Military service Allegiance  United States Service/branch United States Army Years of service 1965–1968, 1970–1971 (Reserve) 1968–1970 (Active) Rank Captain Bill Nelson NASA Payload Specialist Time in space 6d 02h 03m Missions STS-61-C Mission insignia Clarence William "Bill" Nelson II (born September 29, 1942) is an American politician and member of the Democratic Party who serves as the senior United States Senator from Florida, in office since 2001. Nelson began his career in the Florida House of Representatives, where he served from 1973 to 1979. He then served in the United States House of Representatives from 1979 to 1991 and in January 1986, Nelson became the second sitting member of the United States Congress to fly in space. He flew as a Payload Specialist on the Space Shuttle Columbia. He retired from Congress in 1990 to unsuccessfully run for Governor of Florida. He then served as Treasurer, Insurance Commissioner and Fire Marshal of Florida from 1995 to 2001. In 2000, Nelson ran for and was elected to the U.S. Senate seat vacated by retiring Republican Senator Connie Mack III. He was re-elected in 2006 with 60% of the vote and in 2012 with 55% of the vote. In the Senate, he is generally considered a social and economic liberal.