Paula Hawkins
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Paula Fickes Hawkins | |
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| In office January 1, 1981 – January 3, 1987 |
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| Preceded by | Richard Stone |
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| Succeeded by | Bob Graham |
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| Born | January 24, 1927 Salt Lake City, Utah |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Gene Hawkins |
| Religion | Mormon |
Paula Hawkins (born January 24, 1927) is an American politician from Florida. She is to date the only woman elected to the U.S. Senate from Florida.
Hawkins began her electoral career by campaigning as a consumer advocate. She became the first woman elected to statewide office in Florida by winning a seat on the Public Services Commission in 1972. Hawkins was an unsuccessful candidate for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in 1974, which was won by Jack Eckerd. She was reelected in 1976. In 1978 she was the Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor on the ticket headed by Jack Eckerd. They lost to State Sen. Bob Graham and State Rep. Wayne Mixson. In 1980 she was elected to the United States Senate representing Florida, becoming Florida's first woman elected to federal office.
She was the first woman to bring her husband to Washington, D.C. with her. As a result of that the Senate wives club became known as the Senate spouses club. She took office two days early because of the resignation of Richard B. Stone. In 1986, she lost her re-election bid to then Gov. Bob Graham.
Hawkins is a Mormon.
She currently lives in Winter Park, Florida.
[edit] Electoral history
- 1978 Race for Governor/Lt.Governor
- Bob Graham/Wayne Mixson (D)
- Jack Eckerd/Paula Hawkins (R)
- 1980 Race for U.S. Senate
- Paula Hawkins (R), 52%
- Bill Gunter (D), 48%
- 1986 Race for U.S. Senate
- Bob Graham (D), 55%
- Paula Hawkins (R) (inc.), 45%
[edit] External links
| Preceded by Richard Stone |
United States Senator (Class 3) from Florida 1981 – 1987 Served alongside: Lawton Chiles |
Succeeded by Bob Graham |
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