Robert Nichols (Texas politician)
| Robert Nichols | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Texas Senate from the 3rd district |
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Assumed office January 2007 |
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| Preceded by | Todd Staples |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 25, 1944 |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) | Donna |
| Children | 3 |
| Residence | Jacksonville, Texas |
| Alma mater | Lamar University |
| Profession | Small Business Businessman, politician |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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