Robert Nichols (Texas)
Robert Nichols (Republican Party) is a member of the Texas State Senate, representing District 3. He assumed office in 2007. His current term ends on January 11, 2027.
Nichols (Republican Party) ran for re-election to the Texas State Senate to represent District 3. He won in the general election on November 8, 2022.
Biography
Nichols graduated with a B.S. in industrial engineering from Lamar University in 1968 and is a board member of the East Texas Medical Center.
In addition to being a senator, Nichols is a plastics manufacturing engineer. Prior to his position in the state senate, Nichols served on the Jacksonville City Council and held the position of Mayor of Jacksonville.[1]
Committee assignments
2023-2024
Nichols was assigned to the following committees:
- Business & Commerce Committee
- Committee of the Whole Senate
- Finance Committee
- Local Government Committee
- Special Committee on Redistricting
- Senate Transportation Committee, Chair
2021-2022
Nichols was assigned to the following committees:
- Business & Commerce Committee, Vice chair
- Criminal Justice Committee
- Finance Committee
- Local Government Committee
- Senate Transportation Committee, Chair
2019-2020
Nichols was assigned to the following committees:
- Administration Committee
- Business & Commerce Committee, Vice-Chair
- Finance Committee
- Intergovernmental Relations Committee
- Senate Transportation Committee, Chair
2017 legislative session
At the beginning of the 2017 legislative session, this legislator served on the following committees:
| Texas committee assignments, 2017 |
|---|
| • Administration |
| • Business & Commerce |
| • Finance |
| • Transportation, Chair |
2015 legislative session
At the beginning of the 2015 legislative session, Nichols served on the following committees:
| Texas committee assignments, 2015 |
|---|
| • Natural Resources and Economic Development |
| • Finance |
| • Intergovernmental Relations |
| • Transportation, Chair |
2013-2014
In the 2013-2014 legislative session, Nichols served on the following committees:
| Texas committee assignments, 2013 |
|---|
| • Health & Human Services |
| • Intergovernmental Relations, Vice chair |
| • Natural Resources |
| • State Affairs |
| • Transportation, Chair |
2011-2012
In the 2011-2012 legislative session, Nichols served on the following Texas Senate committees:
| Texas committee assignments, 2011 |
|---|
| • Intergovernmental Relations, Vice chair |
| • Health & Human Services |
| • Natural Resources |
| • Nominations |
| • Transportation & Homeland Security |
2009-2010
In the 2009-2010 legislative session, Nichols served on the following Texas Senate committees:
| Texas committee assignments, 2009 |
|---|
| • Intergovernmental Relations |
| • Health & Human Services |
| • Nominations |
| • Transportation & Homeland Security |
Sponsored legislation
The following table lists bills this person sponsored as a legislator, according to BillTrack50 and sorted by action history. Bills are sorted by the date of their last action. The following list may not be comprehensive. To see all bills this legislator sponsored, click on the legislator's name in the title of the table.
Elections
2026
- See also: Texas State Senate elections, 2026
Robert Nichols did not file to run for re-election.
2022
See also: Texas State Senate elections, 2022
General election
General election for Texas State Senate District 3
Incumbent Robert Nichols defeated Steve Russell and Desarae Lindsey in the general election for Texas State Senate District 3 on November 8, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Robert Nichols (R) | 77.4 | 213,288 |
 | Steve Russell (D)  | 21.2 | 58,285 | |
| Desarae Lindsey (L) | 1.4 | 3,941 | ||
| Total votes: 275,514 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Texas State Senate District 3
Steve Russell advanced from the Democratic primary for Texas State Senate District 3 on March 1, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Steve Russell | 100.0 | 18,205 |
| Total votes: 18,205 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Republican primary election
Republican primary for Texas State Senate District 3
Incumbent Robert Nichols advanced from the Republican primary for Texas State Senate District 3 on March 1, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Robert Nichols | 100.0 | 88,368 |
| Total votes: 88,368 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Libertarian convention
Libertarian convention for Texas State Senate District 3
Desarae Lindsey advanced from the Libertarian convention for Texas State Senate District 3 on March 19, 2022.
Candidate | ||
| ✔ | Desarae Lindsey (L) | |
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Campaign finance
2018
- See also: Texas State Senate elections, 2018
General election
General election for Texas State Senate District 3
Incumbent Robert Nichols defeated Shirley Layton and Bruce Quarles in the general election for Texas State Senate District 3 on November 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Robert Nichols (R) | 78.3 | 215,058 |
 | Shirley Layton (D) | 20.5 | 56,398 | |
| Bruce Quarles (L) | 1.2 | 3,301 | ||
| Total votes: 274,757 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Texas State Senate District 3
Shirley Layton advanced from the Democratic primary for Texas State Senate District 3 on March 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Shirley Layton | 100.0 | 12,452 |
| Total votes: 12,452 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Texas State Senate District 3
Incumbent Robert Nichols advanced from the Republican primary for Texas State Senate District 3 on March 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Robert Nichols | 100.0 | 78,434 |
| Total votes: 78,434 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Libertarian primary election
Libertarian primary for Texas State Senate District 3
Bruce Quarles advanced from the Libertarian primary for Texas State Senate District 3 on March 6, 2018.
Candidate | ||
| ✔ | Bruce Quarles | |
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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2014
- See also: Texas State Senate elections, 2014
Elections for 15 of the 31 seats in the Texas State Senate took place in 2014. A primary election took place on March 4, 2014. The general election was held on November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in these elections was December 9, 2013. Incumbent Robert Nichols was unopposed in the Republican primary. Nichols defeated J. Tyler Lindsay (L) in the general election.[2][3][4]
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican |  Robert Nichols Incumbent |
90.6% | 140,069 | |
| Libertarian | J. Tyler Lindsay | 9.4% | 14,605 | |
| Total Votes | 154,674 | |||
2012
- See also: Texas State Senate elections, 2012
Nichols ran in the 2012 election for Texas State Senate, District 3. Nichols defeated Tammy Blair in the May 29 primary election and was unchallenged in the general election, which took place on November 6, 2012.[5]
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes |
|---|---|---|
|
Robert Nichols |
74.5% | 59,735 |
| Tammy Blair | 25.5% | 20,410 |
| Total Votes | 80,145 | |
2010
- See also: Texas State Senate elections, 2010
Nichols won re-election to the 3rd District seat in 2010. The general election took place on November 2, 2010.
Nichols defeated Libertarian opponent David Scott for the District 3 seat on November 2nd.[5]
| Texas State Senate, District 3 2010 General election results | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates | Votes | Percent | ||
| Robert Nichols (R)
|
153,906 | 88.9% | ||
| David Scott (L) | 19,211 | 11.09% | ||
2006
On Nov. 7, 2006, Nichols won election to the 3rd District Seat in the Texas State Senate.[5]
Nichols raised $1,415,750.[6]
| Texas State Senate, District 3 (2006) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates | Votes | Percent | ||
| Robert Nichols (R)
|
119,629 | 100% | ||
Campaign themes
2022
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Robert Nichols did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.
2014
Nichols' website highlighted the following campaign themes:[7]
Property Rights
- Excerpt: "The government should never intrude upon your rights as a property owner. As state senator, Nichols supported legislation increasing an individuals' right to protect his or her home from invasion, and he filed legislation to limit the use of eminent domain."
Property Taxes
- Excerpt: "The first bill Nichols filed in the Texas Senate cut appraisal caps in half. He also supported successful legislation to extend significant property tax breaks to Texas' senior citizens."
Immigration
- Excerpt: "The protection of our border is the government's first and foremost responsibility, and the federal government has failed. Senator Nichols supports Governor Perry's efforts to improve border security and shut down illegal crossings."
Education
- Excerpt: "Senator Nichols supports increasing accountability, reforming standardized testing, and offering incentives for improved performance. Senator Nichols also helped increase higher education opportunities for Senate District 3 and supported programs that encourage students to pursue a college degree."
Note: Nichols' campaign themes did not change from 2012.
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
Scorecards
A scorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.
Ballotpedia is in the process of developing an encyclopedic list of published scorecards. Some states have a limited number of available scorecards or scorecards produced only by select groups. It is Ballotpedia’s goal to incorporate all available scorecards regardless of ideology or number.
Click here for an overview of legislative scorecards in all 50 states. To contribute to the list of scorecards, email suggestions to editor@ballotpedia.org.
Below you can find the scorecards found for the Texas State Legislature in 2025.
- Club for Growth Foundation — Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to economic issues.
- Sierra Club Texas — Legislators are scored on their votes on environmental issues.
- Texans for Fiscal Responsibility — Legislators are scored based by the organization on their votes on bills relating to "core budget and free enterprise issues."
- Texans Uniting for Reform & Freedom — Legislators are scored based on their votes on bills relating to taxes and property rights.
- Texas Right to Life — Legislators are scored on bills related to reproductive health issues.
- Texas Values Action — Legislators are scored on their votes on social issues.
- The Freedom Index — Legislators are scored on their adherence to the limited government principles of the U.S. Constitution.
In 2024, the Texas State Legislature was either not in session or no scorecards were found. Please contact us if you would like to suggest a scorecard.
Below you can find the scorecards found for the Texas State Legislature in 2023.
- Sierra Club Texas — Legislators are scored on their votes on environmental issues.
- Texans for Fiscal Responsibility — Legislators are scored based by the organization on their votes on bills relating to "core budget and free enterprise issues."
- Texans Uniting for Reform & Freedom — Legislators are scored based on their votes on bills relating to taxes and property rights.
- Texas Right to Life — Legislators are scored on bills related to reproductive health issues.
- Texas Values Action — Legislators are scored on their votes on social issues.
- The American Conservative Union — Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.
- The Institute for Legislative Analysis — Legislators are scored on their adherence to the limited government principles of the U.S. Constitution.
In 2022, the Texas State Legislature was either not in session or no scorecards were found. Please contact us if you would like to suggest a scorecard.
Below you can find the scorecards found for the Texas State Legislature in 2021.
- Club for Growth Foundation — Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to economic issues.
- National Federation of Independent Business — Legislators are scored on their votes on small business issues.
- Sierra Club Texas — Legislators are scored on their votes on environmental issues.
- Texans for Fiscal Responsibility — Legislators are scored based by the organization on their votes on bills relating to "core budget and free enterprise issues."
- Texans Uniting for Reform & Freedom — Legislators are scored based on their votes on bills relating to taxes and property rights.
- Texas Right to Life — Legislators are scored on bills related to reproductive health issues.
- Texas Values Action — Legislators are scored on their votes on social issues.
- The American Conservative Union — Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.
In 2020, the Texas State Legislature was either not in session or no scorecards were found. Please contact us if you would like to suggest a scorecard.
Below you can find the scorecards found for the Texas State Legislature in 2019.
- Club for Growth Foundation — Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to economic issues.
- Environment Texas — Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to environmental and public health issues.
- Texans for Fiscal Responsibility — Legislators are scored based by the organization on their votes on bills relating to "core budget and free enterprise issues."
- Texans Uniting for Reform & Freedom — Legislators are scored based on their votes on bills relating to taxes and property rights.
- Texas Eagle Forum — Legislators are scored based on votes relating to conservative issues.
- Texas Right to Life — Legislators are scored on bills related to reproductive health issues.
- Texas Values Action — Legislators are scored on their votes on social issues.
- The American Conservative Union — Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.
In 2018, the Texas State Legislature was either not in session or no scorecards were found. Please contact us if you would like to suggest a scorecard.
Below you can find the scorecards found for the Texas State Legislature in 2017.
- Conservative Roundtable — Legislators are scored on their votes for or against the organization's position and principles.
- Environment Texas — Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to environmental and public health issues.
- National Federation of Independent Business — Legislators are scored on their votes on small business issues.
- Sierra Club Texas — Legislators are scored on their votes on environmental issues.
- Texans for Fiscal Responsibility — Legislators are scored based by the organization on their votes on bills relating to "core budget and free enterprise issues."
- Texans for Vaccine Choice — Legislators are scored on their votes on bills supported or opposed by the organization.
- Texans Uniting for Reform & Freedom — Legislators are scored based on their votes on bills relating to taxes and property rights.
- Texas Alliance For Life — Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to social issues.
- Texas Association of Business — Legislators are scored based on their votes on bills related to businesses, taxpayers, and families.
- Texas Right to Life — Legislators are scored on bills related to reproductive health issues.
- Texas Values Action — Legislators are scored on their votes on social issues.
- The American Conservative Union — Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.
- Young Conservatives of Texas — Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.
In 2016, the Texas State Legislature was either not in session or no scorecards were found. Please contact us if you would like to suggest a scorecard.
Below you can find the scorecards found for the Texas State Legislature in 2015.
- Americans for Prosperity - Texas — Legislators are scored on how they voted on tax and fiscal legislation.
- Concerned Women for America of Texas — Legislators are scored based on votes on bills relating to abortion, common core, and sex trafficking.
- Conservative Roundtable — Legislators are scored on their votes for or against the organization's position and principles.
- Environment Texas — Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to environmental and public health issues.
- Heritage Alliance — Legislators are scored based on votes on social issues, economic issues, and other issues.
- National Federation of Independent Business — Legislators are scored on their votes on small business issues.
- Texans for Fiscal Responsibility — Legislators are scored based by the organization on their votes on bills relating to "core budget and free enterprise issues."
- Texans Uniting for Reform & Freedom — Legislators are scored based on their votes on bills relating to taxes and property rights.
- Texas Association of Business — Legislators are scored based on their votes on bills related to businesses, taxpayers, and families.
- Texas Eagle Forum — Legislators are scored based on votes relating to conservative issues.
- Texas Right to Life — Legislators are scored on bills related to reproductive health issues.
- The American Conservative Union — Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.
In 2014, the Texas State Legislature was either not in session or no scorecards were found. Please contact us if you would like to suggest a scorecard.
Below you can find the scorecards found for the Texas State Legislature in 2013.
- Concerned Women for America of Texas — Legislators are scored based on votes on bills relating to abortion, common core, and sex trafficking.
- Conservative Roundtable — Legislators are scored on their votes for or against the organization's position and principles.
- Equality Texas — Legislators are scored on bills related to LGBT issues.
- NARAL Pro-Choice Texas — Legislators are scored based on votes for House Bill 2.
- National Federation of Independent Business — Legislators are scored on their votes on small business issues.
- Texans for Fiscal Responsibility — Legislators are scored based by the organization on their votes on bills relating to "core budget and free enterprise issues."
- Texans Uniting for Reform & Freedom — Legislators are scored based on their votes on bills relating to taxes and property rights.
- Texas Association of Business — Legislators are scored based on their votes on bills related to businesses, taxpayers, and families.
- Texas Eagle Forum — Legislators are scored based on votes relating to conservative issues.
- Texas League of Conservation Voters — Legislators are scored based on votes relating to environment and conservation issues.
- Texas Right to Life — Legislators are scored on bills related to reproductive health issues.
- The American Conservative Union — Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.
- Young Conservatives of Texas — Legislators are scored based on votes for Amendments 2, 12, 51, 95, and 118.
In 2012, the Texas State Legislature was either not in session or no scorecards were found. Please contact us if you would like to suggest a scorecard.
Below you can find the scorecards found for the Texas State Legislature in 2011.
- Conservative Roundtable — Legislators are scored on their votes for or against the organization's position and principles.
- Heritage Alliance — Legislators are scored based on votes on social issues, economic issues, and other issues.
- Humane Society Legislative Fund — Legislators are scored on their votes on animal protection bills.
- Texans for Fiscal Responsibility — Legislators are scored based by the organization on their votes on bills relating to "core budget and free enterprise issues."
- Texas Eagle Forum — Legislators are scored based on votes relating to conservative issues.
- Texas League of Conservation Voters — Legislators are scored based on votes relating to environment and conservation issues.
- Texas Watch — Legislators are scored based on consumer-related bills.
- Young Conservatives of Texas — Legislators are scored based on their votes on conservative issues.
See also
2022 Elections
External links
|
Candidate Texas State Senate District 3 |
Officeholder Texas State Senate District 3 |
Footnotes
- ↑ Project Vote Smart, "Biography," accessed May 24, 2014
- ↑ Texas Secretary of State, "1992 - Current ELECTION HISTORY," accessed December 2, 2014
- ↑ Green Party of Texas, "Greens Release Candidate List," accessed July 26, 2014
- ↑ The Libertarian Party of Texas, "2014 Texas Senate Candidates List," accessed July 26, 2014
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Texas Secretary of State, "1992 - Current Election History," accessed February 17, 2014
- ↑ Follow the Money, "Candidate funds," accessed May 24, 2014
- ↑ nicholsforsenate.com, "Issues," accessed August 14, 2014
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by - |
Texas State Senate District 3 2007-Present |
Succeeded by - |
