2012 United States Senate election in Florida explained

Election Name:	2012 United States Senate election in Florida
Country:	Florida
Type:	presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	2006 United States Senate election in Florida
Previous Year:	2006
Next Election:	2018 United States Senate election in Florida
Next Year:	2018
Turnout:	63.5% (voting eligible)^[1]
Election Date:	November 6, 2012
Image1:	Bill Nelson.jpg
Nominee1:	Bill Nelson
Party1:	Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:	4,523,451
Percentage1:	55.23%
Nominee2:	Connie Mack IV
Party2:	Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:	3,458,267
Percentage2:	42.23%
U.S. Senator
Before Election:	Bill Nelson
Before Party:	Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:	Bill Nelson^[2]
After Party:	Democratic Party (United States)

The 2012 United States Senate election in Florida was held on November 6, 2012, alongside a presidential election, other elections to the House and Senate, as well as various state and local elections. The primary election was held August 14, 2012. Incumbent Senator Bill Nelson won reelection to a third term, defeating Republican U.S. Representative Connie Mack IV (whose father, Connie Mack III was Nelson's direct predecessor in that Senate seat) 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., this was the last time that a Democrat won a U.S. Senate election in Florida. This is also the last time a Democrat carried the following counties in a statewide election: Brevard, Flagler, Franklin, Hamilton, Hendry, Hernando, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Okeechobee, Pasco, Polk, Sarasota, and Volusia.

Democratic primary

Candidates

• Bill Nelson, incumbent U.S. Senator
• Glenn Burkett^[3]

Results

Republican primary

Candidates

Qualified

• Connie Mack IV, U.S. Representative from Fort Myers^{[4] [5]}
• Mike McCalister, university professor and candidate for governor in 2010^[6]
• Marielena Stuart, conservative activist and journalist^[7]
• Dave Weldon, former U.S. Representative from Indialantic^[8]

Withdrew

• Alexander George, businessman, political activist and minister^[9]
• Mike Haridopolos, President of the Florida Senate^[10]
• Adam Hasner, former Florida House of Representatives majority leader^[11] (running for U.S. House of Representatives)^[12]
• 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)^[13]
• Ron Rushing, businessman (running for state senate)^[14]
• George LeMieux, former U.S. Senator^[15]

Declined

• Jeff Atwater, Chief Financial Officer of Florida^[16]
• Allan Bense, former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives^[17]
• Vern Buchanan, U.S. Representative^[18]
• Jeb Bush, former Florida governor^[19]
• Dean Cannon, Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives^[20]
• Nicholas M. Loeb, businessman^[21]
• Will McBride, attorney and candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2006^[22]
• Tom Rooney, U.S. Representative^[23]
• Chris Ruddy, founder and CEO of Newsmax^[24]
• Allen West, U.S. Representative^{[25] [26]}

Polling

Poll source				George LeMieux	Connie Mack IV	Mike McCalister	Dave Weldon	Someone else	Other/ Undecided
align=left	Public Policy Polling^[27]	May 31 – June 3, 2012	448	±4.6%	13%		34%	10%	6%	9%	28%
align=left	Quinnipiac^[28]	June 12–18, 2012	698	±3.7%	8%		41%	5%	3%	1%	39%
align=left	Public Policy Polling^[29]	July 26–29, 2012	500	±4.4%	—		47%	10%	14%	6%	23%

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 (the Miami area), 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 (Democratic), incumbent U.S. Senator
• Connie Mack IV (Republican), U.S. Congressman
• Chris Borgia (Independent), Iraq War Veteran^[30]
• Bill Gaylor (Independent), owner, Bill and Sheila Gaylor Insurance^[31]

Debates

Only one debate was held, hosted by Leadership Florida/Florida Press Association occurred on October 17 at the Nova Southeastern University campus in Davie.

• Complete video of debate, October 17, 2012 - C-SPAN

Fundraising

Candidate (party)	Receipts	Disbursements	Cash on hand	Debt
	Bill Nelson (D)	$13,404,998	$15,494,167	$994,324	$0
	Connie Mack (R)	$7,272,224	$7,526,150	$155,076	$81,880
	Chris Borgia (I)	$12,344	$12,198	$145	$9,950
	Bill Gaylor (I)	$19,604	$19,195	$0	$0
Source: Federal Election Commission^[32] ^[33] ^[34] ^[35]

Top contributors

Bill Nelson	Contribution	Connie Mack	Contribution	Bill Gaylor	Contribution
Morgan & Morgan	$138,150	Club for Growth	$189,168	Bill & Sheila Gaylor Insurance Professionals	$7,905
Finmeccanica	$71,967	Elliott Management Corporation	$46,997	Circle Redmont	$1,432
InDyne, Inc.	$64,735	Koch Industries	$33,500
Harris Corporation	$59,750	Vestar Capital Partners	$32,000
Akerman Senterfitt LLP	$59,300	Island Doctors	$27,400
Greenberg Traurig	$52,589	Adams & Diaco	$25,000
Kindred Healthcare	$21,000	Health Management Associates	$21,000
Holland & Knight	$46,747	Flo-Sun Inc	$18,500
Leon Medical Centers	$45,800	US Sugar Corporation	$18,000
Vestar Capital Partners	$40,650	MasTec, Inc.	$17,800
Source: OpenSecrets^[36]

Top industries

Bill Nelson	Contribution	Connie Mack	Contribution	Bill Gaylor	Contribution
Lawyers/Law firms	$2,383,484	Retired	$885,121	Retired	$1,500
Retired	$938,280	Republican/Conservative	$412,944
Real Estate	$606,253	Financial Institutions	$360,334
Health Professionals	$529,282	Real Estate	$298,642
Lobbyists	$493,087	Leadership PACs	$280,500
Financial Institutions	$418,915	Misc Finance	$216,836
Hospitals/Nursing Homes	$364,617	Health Professionals	$199,159
Leadership PACs	$337,000	Lawyers/Law Firms	$169,921
Insurance Industry	$319,788	Petroleum Industry	$136,400
Health Services/HMOs	$276,500	Business Services	$128,777
Source: OpenSecrets^[37]

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.^[38] In Florida, the money was to be spent by its affiliate, American Crossroads.

Predictions

Source	Ranking	As of
align=left	The Cook Political Report^[39]		November 1, 2012
align=left	Sabato's Crystal Ball^[40]		November 5, 2012
align=left	Rothenberg Political Report^[41]		November 2, 2012
align=left	Real Clear Politics^[42]		November 5, 2012

Polling

Poll source				Bill Nelson (D)	Connie Mack IV (R)	Other	Undecided
align=left	Public Policy Polling^[43]	October 9–10, 2010	448	±4.6%		42%	33%	—	25%
align=left	Public Policy Polling^[44]	December 17–20, 2010	1,034	±3.0%		44%	36%	—	20%
align=left	Mason-Dixon^[45]	February 9–10, 2011	625	±4.0%		45%	40%	—	15%
align=left	Public Policy Polling^[46]	March 24–27, 2011	500	±4.4%		47%	34%	—	18%
align=left	Quinnipiac^[47]	October 31 – November 7, 2011	1,185	±2.9%		42%	40%	1%	16%
align=left	Rasmussen Reports^[48]	November 17, 2011	500	±4.5%	39%		43%	5%	13%
align=left	Public Policy Polling^[49]	November 28 – December 1, 2011	700	±3.7%		46%	35%	—	19%
align=left	Quinnipiac^[50]	January 4–8, 2012	1,412	±2.6%		41%	40%	1%	16%
align=left	Suffolk University^[51]	January 22–24, 2012	600	±4.4%		42%	32%	1%	25%
align=left	Mason-Dixon^[52]	January 24–26, 2012	800	±3.5%		45%	42%	—	13%
align=left	Rasmussen Reports^[53]	February 13, 2012	500	±4.5%	41%	41%	5%	12%
align=left	Rasmussen Reports^[54]	March 13, 2012	500	±4.5%	36%		43%	5%	16%
align=left	Quinnipiac^[55]	March 20–26, 2012	1,228	±2.8%		44%	36%	3%	17%
align=left	Public Policy Polling^[56]	April 12–15, 2012	700	±3.7%		47%	37%	—	17%
align=left	Rasmussen Reports^[57]	April 25, 2012	500	±4.5%		47%	36%	10%	7%
align=left	Quinnipiac^[58]	May 15–21, 2012	1,722	±2.4%	41%		42%	3%	15%
align=left	Marist^[59]	May 17–20, 2012	1,078	±3.0%		46%	42%	—	12%
align=left	Public Policy Polling	May 31 – June 3, 2012	642	±3.9%		49%	36%	—	15%
align=left	Quinnipiac	June 12–18, 2012	1,697	±2.4%		43%	39%	—	15%
align=left	Quinnipiac^[60]	June 19–25, 2012	1,200	±2.8%		41%	40%	1%	17%
align=left	Rasmussen Reports	July 9, 2012	500	±4.5%	37%		46%	7%	10%
align=left	Mason-Dixon^[61]	July 9–11, 2012	800	±3.5%		47%	42%	—	11%
align=left	Survey USA^[62]	July 17–19, 2012	647	±3.9%	42%		48%	2%	8%
align=left	Public Policy Polling	July 26–29, 2012	871	±3.3%		45%	43%	—	13%
align=left	Quinnipiac^[63]	July 24–30, 2012	1,177	±2.9%		47%	40%	1%	12%
align=left	Rasmussen Reports	August 15, 2012	500	±4.5%		47%	40%	3%	10%
align=left	Quinnipiac^[64]	August 15–21, 2012	1,241	±2.8%		50%	41%	—	9%
align=left	Public Policy Polling^[65]	August 31 – September 2, 2012	1,548	±2.5%		45%	38%	—	17%
align=left	SurveyUSA^[66]	September 7–9, 2012	596	±4.1%		47%	36%	3%	9%
align=left	NBC/WSJ/Marist Poll^[67]	September 9–11, 2012	980	±3.1%		51%	37%	—	12%
align=left	Rasmussen Reports	September 12, 2012	500	±4.5%		47%	40%	5%	8%
align=left	Fox News Poll^[68]	September 16–18, 2012	829	±3.0%		49%	35%	2%	12%
align=left	TBT/Miami Herald^[69]	September 17–19, 2012	800	±3.5%		48%	40%	—	11%
align=left	Suffolk University^[70]	September 27–30, 2012	600	±4.0%		40%	34%	5%	20%
align=left	NBC/WSJ/Marist Poll^[71]	September 30 – October 1, 2012	890	±3.3%		52%	41%	—	7%
align=left	Rasmussen Reports	October 4, 2012	500	±4.5%		52%	41%	1%	6%
align=left	University of North Florida^[72]	October 1–9, 2012	800	±3.5%		50%	40%	—	10%
align=left	NBC/WSJ/Marist Poll^[73]	October 7–9, 2012	988	±3.1%		52%	39%	—	9%
align=left	TBT/Miami Herald^[74]	October 8–10, 2012	800	±3.5%		47%	42%	4%	7%
align=left	Rasmussen Reports	October 11, 2012	750	±4.0%		46%	45%	5%	5%
align=left	Public Policy Polling^[75]	October 12–14, 2012	791	±3.4%		45%	37%	—	18%
align=left	SurveyUSA^[76]	October 17–18, 2012	600	±4.1%		48%	40%	4%	8%
align=left	Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers/WPTV^[77]	October 17–18, 2012	800	±4.0%		45%	41%	—	14%
align=left	Rasmussen Reports	October 18, 2012	750	±4.0%		48%	43%	2%	7%
align=left	Angus Reid Public Opinion^[78]	October 18–20, 2012	502	±4.5%		56%	39%	4%	—
align=left	Pharos Research^[79]	October 19–21, 2012	759	±3.6%		52%	44%	—	5%
align=left	Sunshine State News/VSS^[80]	October 22–24, 2012	1,001	±3.1%		49%	44%	—	7%
align=left	Mason-Dixon^[81]	October 22–24, 2012	625	±4.0%		47%	44%	—	9%
align=left	Rasmussen Reports	October 25, 2012	750	±4.0%		49%	46%	2%	3%
align=left	WFLA-TV/SurveyUSA^[82]	October 25–27, 2012	595	±4.1%		48%	41%	4%	7%
align=left	CBS/Quinnipiac University^[83]	October 23–28, 2012	1,073	±3.0%		52%	39%	—	9%
align=left	Public Policy Polling^[84]	October 26–28, 2012	687	±3.7%		50%	42%	—	9%
align=left	Zogby/Newsmax^[85]	October 26–28, 2012	827	±3.5%		50%	41%	—	9%
align=left	Zogby/Newsmax^[86]	October 27–29, 2012	828	±3.5%		50%	41%	—	9%
align=left	Gravis Marketing^[87]	October 30, 2012	549	±4.2%		49%	46%	—	5%
align=left	Reuters/Ipsos^[88]	October 29–31, 2012	716	±4.2%		52%	42%	1%	6%
align=left	NBC/WSJ/Marist^[89]	October 30 – November 1, 2012	1,545	±2.5%		52%	43%	1%	5%
align=left	Mason-Dixon^[90]	October 30 – November 1, 2012	800	±3.5%		49%	43%	4%	—
align=left	Angus Reid Public Opinion^[91]	November 1–3, 2012	525	±4.3%		53%	45%	2%	—
align=left	Public Policy Polling^[92]	November 3–4, 2012	955	±3.2%		51%	46%	—	3%

Republican primary

Poll source				Adam Hasner	George LeMieux	Connie Mack IV	Mike McCalister	Craig Miller	Other/ Undecided
align=left	Quinnipiac^[93]	July 27 – August 2, 2011	510	±4.3%	6%	12%	—		15%	8%		60%
align=left	Quinnipiac^[94]	September 14–19, 2011	374	±5.1%	5%		17%	—	5%	11%		62%
align=left	Public Policy Polling^[95]	September 22–25, 2011	472	±4.5%	9%	13%	—		17%	3%		58%
align=left	Quinnipiac	October 31 – November 7, 2011	513	±4.3%	2%	9%		32%	6%	2%		51%
align=left	Public Policy Polling^[96]	November 28–30, 2011	470	±4.5%	3%	12%		40%	4%	3%	38%
align=left	Dixie Strategies/First Coast News^[97]	January 23–25, 2012	2,567	±1.93%	3.81%	6.91%		28.88%	3.36%	1.78%		55.26%
align=left	Mason-Dixon	January 24–26, 2012	500	±4.5%	4%	12%		38%	7%	1%		38%
align=left	Miami Herald/War Room Logistics^[98]	January 27, 2012	1,632	±2.5%	2.7%	6.2%		33.0%	3.2%	2.3%		52.6%
align=left	Public Policy Polling^[99]	January 28, 2012	387	±5.0%	4%	6%		36%	5%	3%		46%
align=left	Public Policy Polling^[100]	January 28–29, 2012	733	±3.6%	4%	8%		36%	5%	3%		44%
align=left	Public Policy Polling^[101]	January 28–30, 2012	1,087	±3%	3%	8%		39%	4%	3%		42%

Poll source				Mike Haridopolos	Adam Hasner	George LeMieux	Mike McCalister	Other/ Undecided
align=left	Sunshine State Communications^[102]	May 12–13, 2011	458	±4.58%		11%	0%	9%	4%		64%
align=left	Quinnipiac^[103]	May 17–23, 2011	463	±4.6%	13%	4%		14%	—		64%

General election

Poll source				Bill Nelson (D)	Jeb Bush (R)	Other	Undecided
align=left	Public Policy Polling^[106]	July 16–18, 2010	900	±3.26%		46%	44%	—	9%
align=left	Public Policy Polling	December 17–20, 2010	1,034	±3.0%	44%		49%	—	7%
align=left	Mason-Dixon	February 9–10, 2011	625	±4.0%	41%		49%	—	10%

Poll source				Bill Nelson (D)	Mike Haridopolos (R)	Other	Undecided
align=left	Public Policy Polling	December 17–20, 2010	1,034	±3.0%		44%	32%	—	24%
align=left	Mason-Dixon	February 9–10, 2011	625	±4.0%		48%	27%	—	25%
align=left	Public Policy Polling	March 24–27, 2011	500	±4.4%		50%	34%	—	17%
align=left	Quinnipiac	May 17–23, 2011	1,196	±2.8%		47%	26%	2%	22%
align=left	Public Policy Polling^[107]	June 16–19, 2011	848	±3.4%		47%	35%	—	18%

Poll source				Bill Nelson (D)	Adam Hasner (R)	Other	Undecided
align=left	Public Policy Polling	December 17–20, 2010	1,034	±3.0%		46%	30%	—	25%
align=left	Mason-Dixon	February 9–10, 2011	625	±4.0%		46%	24%	—	30%
align=left	Public Policy Polling	March 24–27, 2011	500	±4.4%		48%	32%	—	20%
align=left	Quinnipiac	May 17–23, 2011	1,196	±2.8%		48%	23%	3%	24%
align=left	Public Policy Polling	June 16–19, 2011	848	±3.4%		47%	35%	—	19%
align=left	Mason-Dixon	August 18–22, 2011	625	±4.0%		45%	34%	—	21%
align=left	Public Policy Polling^[108]	September 22–25, 2011	476	±4.5%		49%	35%	—	16%
align=left	Rasmussen Reports	November 17, 2011	500	±4.5%		40%	31%	9%	19%
align=left	Public Policy Polling	November 28 – December 1, 2011	700	±3.7%		48%	33%	—	19%
align=left	Suffolk University^[109]	January 22–24, 2012	600	±4.4%		47%	23%	2%	28%

Poll source				Bill Nelson (D)	George LeMieux (R)	Other	Undecided
align=left	Public Policy Polling	July 16–18, 2010	900	±3.26%		49%	28%	—	23%
align=left	Public Policy Polling	December 17–20, 2010	1,034	±3.0%		47%	36%	—	17%
align=left	Mason-Dixon	February 9–10, 2011	625	±4.0%		49%	35%	—	16%
align=left	Public Policy Polling	March 24–27, 2011	500	±4.4%		48%	33%	—	19%
align=left	Quinnipiac	May 17–23, 2011	1,196	±2.8%		47%	27%	2%	22%
align=left	Public Policy Polling	June 16–19, 2011	848	±3.4%		46%	35%	—	19%
align=left	Mason-Dixon	August 18–22, 2011	625	±4.0%		49%	34%	—	17%
align=left	Public Policy Polling	September 22–25, 2011	476	±4.5%		49%	35%	—	15%
align=left	Rasmussen Reports	November 17, 2011	500	±4.5%		39%	33%	10%	18%
align=left	Public Policy Polling	November 28 – December 1, 2011	700	±3.7%		47%	32%	—	20%
align=left	Suffolk University^[110]	January 22–24, 2012	600	±4.4%		46%	22%	2%	30%
align=left	Mason-Dixon	January 24–26, 2012	800	±3.5%		48%	33%	—	19%
align=left	Rasmussen Reports	February 13, 2012	500	±4.5%		45%	35%	5%	15%
align=left	Rasmussen Reports	March 13, 2012	500	±4.5%		41%	38%	5%	17%
align=left	Public Policy Polling	April 12–15, 2012	700	±3.7%		48%	34%	—	18%
align=left	Rasmussen Reports	April 25, 2012	500	±4.5%		44%	30%	9%	17%
align=left	Marist	May 17–20, 2012	1,078	±3%		46%	42%	—	12%
align=left	Public Policy Polling	May 31 – June 3, 2012	642	±3.9%		48%	35%	—	17%
align=left	Quinnipiac	June 12–18, 2012	1,697	±2.4%		47%	32%	1%	17%

Poll source				Bill Nelson (D)	Mike McCalister (R)	Other	Undecided
align=left	Public Policy Polling	July 26–29, 2012	871	±3.3%		45%	40%	—	15%
align=left	Quinnipiac	June 12–18, 2012	1,697	±2.4%		45%	34%	1%	18%
align=left	Public Policy Polling	May 31 – June 3, 2012	642	±3.9%		47%	33%	—	20%
align=left	Rasmussen Reports	April 25, 2012	500	±4.5%		48%	29%	7%	15%
align=left	Public Policy Polling	April 12–15, 2012	700	±3.7%		47%	35%	—	19%
align=left	Rasmussen Reports	March 13, 2012	500	±4.5%		42%	38%	4%	15%
align=left	Rasmussen Reports	February 13, 2012	500	±4.5%		43%	37%	5%	15%
align=left	Suffolk University^[111]	January 22–24, 2012	600	±4.4%		45%	26%	2%	28%
align=left	Public Policy Polling	November 28 – December 1, 2011	700	±3.7%		47%	32%	—	21%
align=left	Public Policy Polling	September 22–25, 2011	476	±4.5%		47%	34%	—	19%

Poll source				Bill Nelson (D)	Craig Miller (R)	Other	Undecided
align=left	Public Policy Polling	November 28 – December 1, 2011	700	±3.7%		49%	30%	—	21%
align=left	Public Policy Polling	September 22–25, 2011	476	±4.5%		49%	32%	—	19%

Poll source				Bill Nelson (D)	Dave Weldon (R)	Other	Undecided
align=left	Public Policy Polling	July 26–29, 2012	871	±3.3%		46%	39%	—	15%
align=left	Quinnipiac	June 12–18, 2012	1,697	±2.4%		47%	31%	1%	19%
align=left	Public Policy Polling	May 31 – June 3, 2012	642	±3.9%		47%	31%	—	22%

Results

Counties that flipped from Democratic to Republican

• Calhoun (Largest city: Blountstown)
• Citrus (Largest city: Homosassa Springs)
• Dixie (Largest city: Cross City)
• Gilchrist (Largest city: Trenton)
• Glades (Largest city: Moore Haven)
• Gulf (Largest city: Port St. Joe)
• Levy (Largest city: Williston)
• Putnam (Largest city: Palatka)
• Sumter (Largest city: The Villages)
• Taylor (Largest city: Perry)
• Wakulla (Largest city: Sopchoppy)
• Jackson (Largest city: Marianna)
• Bradford (Largest city: Starke)
• Charlotte (Largest city: Charlotte)
• Columbia (Largest city: Lake City)
• DeSoto (Largest city: Arcadia)
• Escambia (Largest city: Pensacola)
• Hardee (Largest city: Wachula)
• Highlands (Largest city: Sebring)
• Indian River (Largest city: Sebastian)
• Lafayette (Largest city: Mayo)
• Lake (Largest city: Clermont)
• Lee (Largest city: Cape Coral)
• Suwannee (Largest city: Live Oak)
• Union (Largest city: Lake Butler)
• Washington (Largest city: Chipley)

By congressional district

Nelson won 20 of 27 congressional districts, including ten that elected Republicans.^[112]

District	Nelson	Mack	Representative
	1st	35.83%	61.28%
2nd	54.07%	43.43%		Steve Southerland
3rd	44.66%	52.39%		Corrine Brown (112th Congress)
			Ted Yoho (113th Congress)
	4th	42.16%	54.58%		Ander Crenshaw
5th	73.70%	24.22%		Rich Nugent (112th Congress)
			Corrine Brown (113th Congress)
6th	47.91%	48.98%		Cliff Stearns (112th Congress)
			Ron DeSantis (113th Congress)
	7th	53.65%	43.81%		John Mica
	8th	49.47%	47.15%		Bill Posey
9th	66.35%	31.16%		Gus Bilirakis (112th Congress)
			Alan Grayson (113th Congress)
10th	52.04%	45.20%		Bill Young (112th Congress)
			Daniel Webster (113th Congress)
11th	48.07%	48.40%		Kathy Castor (112th Congress)
			Rich Nugent (113th Congress)
12th	52.57%	43.83%		Dennis A. Ross (112th Congress)
			Gus Bilirakis (113th Congress)
13th	57.44%	39.10%		Vern Buchanan (112th Congress)
			Bill Young (113th Congress)
14th	69.28%	28.45%		Connie Mack IV (112th Congress)
			Kathy Castor (113th Congress)
15th	52.21%	44.94%		Bill Posey (112th Congress)
			Dennis A. Ross (113th Congress)
16th	50.39%	46.70%		Tom Rooney (112th Congress)
			Vern Buchanan (113th Congress)
17th	47.22%	49.18%		Frederica Wilson (112th Congress)
			Tom Rooney (113th Congress)
18th	53.60%	44.47%		Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (112th Congress)
			Patrick Murphy (113th Congress)
19th	42.66%	54.51%		Ted Deutch (112th Congress)
			Trey Radel (113th Congress)
20th	83.73%	15.04%		Debbie Wasserman Schultz (112th Congress)
			Alcee Hastings (113th Congress)
21st	65.65%	32.87%		Mario Díaz-Balart (112th Congress)
			Ted Deutch (113th Congress)
22nd	58.84%	39.62%		Allen West (112th Congress)
			Lois Frankel (113th Congress)
23rd	64.73%	33.81%		Alcee Hastings (112th Congress)
			Debbie Wasserman Schultz (113th Congress)
24th	87.29%	11.71%		Sandy Adams (112th Congress)
			Frederica Wilson (113th Congress)
25th	50.74%	47.12%		David Rivera (112th Congress)
			Mario Díaz-Balart (113th Congress)
	26th	54.90%	43.56%		Joe Garcia
	27th	55.20%	43.33%		Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

See also

• 2012 United States Senate elections
• 2012 United States House of Representatives elections in Florida
• 2012 United States presidential election in Florida

External links

• Florida Secretary of State – Division of Elections
• Campaign contributions at OpenSecrets.org
• Outside spending at Sunlight Foundation
• Candidate issue positions at On the Issues

Official campaign websites (Archived)

• Chris Borgia for U.S. Senate
• Connie Mack for U.S. Senate
• Mike McCalister for U.S. Senate
• Ron McNeil for U.S. Senate
• Bill Nelson for U.S. Senate
• Marielena Stuart for U.S. Senate
• Dave Weldon for U.S. Senate

Notes and References

1. Web site: 2012 General Election Turnout Rates . . Dr. Michael McDonald . February 9, 2013 . April 3, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130424003112/http://elections.gmu.edu/Turnout_2012G.html . April 24, 2013 . dead . mdy-all .
2. News: Bill Nelson Election Results: Democrat Defeats Connie Mack In Florida Senate Race . Huffingtonpost.com . November 6, 2012 . November 7, 2012 . Elyse . Siegel.
3. Web site: Candidate Tracking system - Florida Division of Elections - Department of State . https://archive.today/20121224232032/http://election.dos.state.fl.us/candidate/CanDetail.asp?account=57920 . dead . December 24, 2012 . Election.dos.state.fl.us . November 7, 2012 .
4. News: Rep. Connie Mack IV Announces Run for U.S. Senate . Fox News . November 28, 2011.
5. http://www.rollcall.com/news/connie_mack_iv_officially_joins_florida_senate_race-210605-1.html Connie Mack IV Officially Joins Florida Senate Race : Roll Call Politics
6. Web site: Sen. Bill Nelson gets his first official Republican challenger for 2012 . November 23, 2010 . November 24, 2010 . . Alex . Leary . https://web.archive.org/web/20121013144741/http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/the-buzz-florida-politics/content/nelson-gets-his-first-official-republican-challenger-2012 . October 13, 2012 . dead . mdy-all .
7. Web site: Marielena Stuart joins U.S. Senate race . August 18, 2011 . August 20, 2011 . . Scott . Powers . https://web.archive.org/web/20111218171324/http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_politics/2011/08/marielena-stuart-joins-u-s-senate-race.html . December 18, 2011 . dead . mdy-all .
8. Web site: It's official: Dave Weldon to run for U.S. Senate in Florida . May 18, 2012 . May 18, 2012 . . Marc . Caputo.
9. http://www.prlog.org/11684158-alexander-george-withdraws-us-senate-race-endorses-senator-george-lemieux.html Alexander George withdraws U.S. Senate Race- Endorses Senator George LeMieux | PRLog
10. Web site: Haridopolos drops out of U.S. Senate race . July 18, 2011 . July 18, 2011 . Tampabay.com . Alex . Leary . https://web.archive.org/web/20110809215534/http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/the-buzz-florida-politics/content/haridopolos-drops-out-us-senate-race . August 9, 2011 . dead . mdy-all .
11. http://www.politico.com/blogs/davidcatanese/0411/Balderas_Hasner_file_paperwork_for_Senate_bids_.html?showall Balderas, Hasner file paperwork for Senate bids – David Catanese – POLITICO.com
12. http://www.politico.com/blogs/david-catanese/2012/02/hasner-phoned-mack-not-lemieux-113114.html Hasner phoned Mack, not LeMieux – POLITICO.com
13. Web site: Florida: Craig Miller Drops Senate Bid, Runs for House At the Races . January 30, 2012 . February 1, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120201193023/http://atr.rollcall.com/florida-criag-miller-drops-senate-bid-runs-for-house/ . dead .
14. http://www.sunshinestatenews.com/blog/conservative-senate-candidate-ron-rushing-takes-aim-politicians Conservative Senate Candidate Ron Rushing Takes Aim at Politicians | Sunshine State News
15. Web site: George LeMieux out of Senate race . CFN 13 Orlando . June 20, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120625210122/http://www.cfnews13.com/content/news/cfnews13/news/article.html/content/news/articles/cfn/2012/6/20/lemieux_out_of_senat.html . June 25, 2012 . dead .
16. Web site: CFO Jeff Atwater announces he will not run for U.S. Senate . April 22, 2012 . April 21, 2012 . . Adam C. . Smith.
17. http://www.rollcall.com/news/Allan-Bense-Adam-Hasner-Florida-Senate-208266-1.html?pos=hln Hasner Nabs Former Florida Speaker’s Endorsement : Roll Call Politics
18. Web site: Buchanan Closes Door on Senate Run – Hotline On Call . September 27, 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20111003051943/http://hotlineoncall.nationaljournal.com/archives/2011/09/buchanan-closes.php . October 3, 2011 . dead . mdy-all .
19. Web site: Several Republicans may vie to take on Bill Nelson in 2012 . December 3, 2010 . December 5, 2010 . . William . March.
20. http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/04/22/2762757/looking-beyond-connie-mack-and.html Looking beyond Connie Mack and U.S. Senate race – Marc Caputo – MiamiHerald.com
21. Web site: Citing ill-health, Sofia Vergara's bf won't run for U.S. Senate. . November 17, 2011 . November 17, 2011 . . Marc . Caputo . https://web.archive.org/web/20150518091737/http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/the-buzz-florida-politics/content/citing-ill-health-sofia-vergaras-bf-wont-run-us-senate . May 18, 2015 . dead . mdy-all .
22. Web site: Will McBride, a Senate candidate again, but with lower goal . April 30, 2012 . May 13, 2012 . . Alex . Leary . https://web.archive.org/web/20120508012401/http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/the-buzz-florida-politics/content/will-mcbride-senate-candidate-again-lower-goal . May 8, 2012 . dead . mdy-all .
23. Web site: Rooney not ready for U.S. Senate run . February 11, 2011 . February 11, 2011 . . Jeremy . Wallace . https://web.archive.org/web/20110220042511/http://politicalinsider.blogs.heraldtribune.com/12009/rooney-not-ready-for-u-s-senate-run/ . February 20, 2011 . dead . mdy-all .
24. Web site: NewsMax's Chris Ruddy rejects suggestion he run for GOP Senate nomination . August 7, 2011 . May 13, 2012 . . George . Bennett . April 24, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120424210757/http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/state/newsmaxs-chris-ruddy-rejects-suggestion-he-run-for-1707148.html? . dead .
25. Web site: West: I'm Not Running For Senate – Hotline On Call . August 22, 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20111105120147/http://hotlineoncall.nationaljournal.com/archives/2011/08/west-im-not-run.php . November 5, 2011 . dead . mdy-all .
26. http://www.politico.com/blogs/davidcatanese/0811/Allen_West_shuts_door_on_Senate_race_.html?showall Allen West shuts door on Senate race – David Catanese – POLITICO.com
27. http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2011/PPP_Release_FL_6712.pdf Public Policy Polling
28. http://www.quinnipiac.edu/institutes-and-centers/polling-institute/florida/release-detail?ReleaseID=1766 Quinnipiac
29. http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2011/PPP_Release_FL_8112.pdf Public Policy Polling
30. Web site: Iraq vet Chris Borgia announces US Senate run (Orlando Sentinel) . August 28, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120114194148/http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_politics/2012/01/iraq-vet-chris-borgia-announces-indy-us-senate-run.html . January 14, 2012 . dead . mdy-all .
31. https://web.archive.org/web/20141129102938/http://election.dos.state.fl.us/candidate/CanDetail.asp?account=55682 Gaylor qualifies for U.S. Senate Run
32. Web site: 2012 House and Senate Campaign Finance for Florida NELSON, BILL . . fec.gov.
33. Web site: 2012 House and Senate Campaign Finance for Florida MACK, CONNIE . . fec.gov.
34. Web site: 2012 House and Senate Campaign Finance for Florida GAYLOR, WILLIAM G . . fec.gov.
35. Web site: 2012 House and Senate Campaign Finance for Florida BORGIA, CHRIS . . fec.gov.
36. Web site: Top Contributors 2012 Race: Florida Senate . OpenSecrets.
37. Web site: Top Industries 2012 Race: Florida Senate . OpenSecrets.
38. News: Crossroads launches $16 million buy in Senate, presidential contests . Politico.com . Haberman . Maggie . October 2, 2012 . October 2, 2012.
39. Web site: 2012 Senate Race Ratings for November 1, 2012 . The Cook Political Report . September 20, 2018 . August 29, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180829035855/https://www.cookpolitical.com/ratings/senate-race-ratings/139117 . dead .
40. Web site: 2012 Senate . Sabato's Crystal Ball . September 20, 2018.
41. Web site: 2012 Senate Ratings . Senate Ratings . The Rothenberg Political Report . September 20, 2018.
42. Web site: 2012 Elections Map - Battle for the Senate 2012 . Real Clear Politics . September 20, 2018.
43. http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_FL_1014.pdf Public Policy Polling
44. http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_FL_1221925.pdf Public Policy Polling
45. http://www.realclearpolitics.com/docs/2011/FL_Sen_MasonDixon_0215.pdf Mason-Dixon
46. http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_FL_0330513.pdf Public Policy Polling
47. https://web.archive.org/web/20111114122056/http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x2882.xml?ReleaseID=1672 Quinnipiac
48. http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections/election_2012/election_2012_senate_elections/florida/florida_senate_mack_r_43_nelson_d_39 Rasmussen Reports
49. http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2011/PPP_Release_FL_1202925.pdf Public Policy Polling
50. http://www.quinnipiac.edu/institutes-and-centers/polling-institute/florida/release-detail?ReleaseID=1689 Quinnipiac
51. http://www.suffolk.edu/images/content/FINAL_JANUARY_26_GENERAL_ELECTION_Florida_Marginals.pdf Suffolk University
52. http://www.cfnews13.com/article/news/2012/january/375099/Florida-Decides-Poll---Nelson-faces-tough-Senate-race Mason-Dixon
53. http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/archive/election_2012_archive/florida/florida_senate_mack_r_41_nelson_d_41 Rasmussen Reports
54. http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/archive/election_2012_archive/florida/florida_senate_mack_r_43_nelson_d_36 Rasmussen Reports
55. http://www.quinnipiac.edu/institutes-and-centers/polling-institute/florida/release-detail?ReleaseID=1730 Quinnipiac
56. http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2011/PPP_Release_FL_418.pdf Public Policy Polling
57. http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections/election_2012/election_2012_senate_elections/florida/election_2012_florida_senate Rasmussen Reports
58. http://www.quinnipiac.edu/institutes-and-centers/polling-institute/florida/release-detail?ReleaseID=1753 Quinnipiac
59. http://maristpoll.marist.edu/wp-content/misc/FLpolls/FL120517/General%20Election%202012/2012%20Hypothetical%20US%20Senate%20Tossup%20in%20Florida_Nelson_Mack_FL%20Registered%20Voters.pdf Marist
60. http://www.quinnipiac.edu/institutes-and-centers/polling-institute/presidential-swing-states-%28fl-oh-and-pa%29/release-detail?ReleaseID=1767 Quinnipiac
61. https://web.archive.org/web/20120716062218/http://www.cfnews13.com/content/news/cfnews13/news/article.html/content/news/articles/cfn/2012/7/12/florida_decides_poll_0.html#question Mason-Dixon
62. http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=e4e06e26-835c-4f08-8c04-24a8c4975bc3 Survey USA
63. http://www.quinnipiac.edu/institutes-and-centers/polling-institute/presidential-swing-states-%28fl-oh-and-pa%29/release-detail?ReleaseID=1781 Quinnipiac
64. http://www.quinnipiac.edu/institutes-and-centers/polling-institute/presidential-swing-states-%28fl-oh-and-pa%29/release-detail?ReleaseID=1789 Quinnipiac
65. http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2011/PPP_Release_FL_9412.pdf Public Policy Polling
66. http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=0e8560f2-ff17-47b5-a9ca-af30a69105e4 SurveyUSA
67. https://web.archive.org/web/20120914220223/http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/MSNBC/Sections/A_Politics/_Today_Stories_Teases/florida_poll_september.pdf NBC/WSJ/Marist Poll
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69. https://web.archive.org/web/20120923221955/http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/the-buzz-florida-politics/content/timesherald-poll-bill-nelson-48-connie-mack-40 TBT/Miami Herald
70. https://web.archive.org/web/20121006033821/http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_politics/2012/10/suffolk-u-poll-obama-and-nelson-both-up-but-its-close.html Suffolk University
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72. http://elections.huffingtonpost.com/pollster/polls/unf-15833 University of North Florida
73. https://web.archive.org/web/20121011055935/http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/MSNBC/Sections/news/Marist%20FL%2010-12.pdf NBC/WSJ/Marist Poll
74. http://www.baynews9.com/content/news/baynews9/news/article.html/content/news/articles/bn9/2012/10/12/senate_race_still_an.html TBT/Miami Herald
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86. http://elections.huffingtonpost.com/pollster/polls/jz-analytics-newsmax-16340 Zogby/Newsmax
87. http://www.gravispolls.com/2012/10/florida-poll-results-10-31-2012.html Gravis Marketing
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90. https://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/timesbay-news-9herald-poll-bill-nelson-49-connie-mack-43/1259558/ Mason-Dixon
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112. Web site: Daily Kos.