Democrat Bill Nelson is the senior U.S. Senator from Florida.

Nelson earned a B.A. in 1965, after which he earned a degree in law while also serving in the U.S. Army Reserves. Before entering politics, he worked as a lawyer and a fire marshal.

Nelson served in the U.S. House of Representatives for 12 years beginning in 1979. During this time, he launched into space on the Columbia space shuttle as a Payload Specialist shortly before the Challenger disaster of 1986. Before being elected Senator, Nelson served as Florida's Treasurer and Insurance Commissioner.

• September 29, 1942: Born

• 1965: Graduated from Yale University

• 1968: Recieved law degree from the University of Virginia

• 1972: Married Grace Cavert

• 1972-1979: Served in the Florida House of Representatives

• 1979-1991: Served in the U.S. House of Representatives

• 2000: Elected to the U.S. Senate