2006 United States Senate election in Florida

none March 2026 November 2017 2006 United States Senate election in Florida Florida presidential no 2000 United States Senate election in Florida 2000 2012 United States Senate election in Florida 2012 November 7, 2006 150x150px Bill Nelson.jpg Bill Nelson Democratic Party (United States) 2,890,548 60.30% Katherine Harris (R–FL) (cropped).jpeg Katherine Harris Republican Party (United States) 1,826,127 38.10% 2006 United States Senate election in Florida results map by county.svg 300px County resultsNelson: #a5b0ff 40–50% #7996e2 50–60% #6674de 60–70% #584cde 70–80% #3933e5 80–90%Harris: #ffb2b2 40–50% #e27f7f 50–60% #d75d5d 60–70% U.S. Senator Bill Nelson Democratic Party (United States) Bill Nelson Democratic Party (United States) The 2006 United States Senate election in Florida was held on November 7, 2006. Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Bill Nelson won re-election to a second term. Background During the Terri Schiavo case in March 2005, a talking points memo on the controversy was written by Brian Darling, the legal counsel to Republican Senator Mel Martínez of Florida.April 6, 2005 Senator's office produced Schiavo memo https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna7412110 Associated Press NBC News The memo suggested the Schiavo case offered "a great political issue" that would appeal to the party's base (core supporters) and could be used against Senator Bill Nelson, a Democrat from Florida who was up for reelection in 2006, because he had refused to co-sponsor the bill which came to be known as the Palm Sunday Compromise.April 4, 2005 The Seattle Times: Nation & World: GOP memo says issue offers political rewards The Washington Post http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2002213728_memo20.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20070127110336/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2002213728_memo20.html January 27, 2007 The Seattle Times Bill Nelson was nevertheless reelected as Senator on November 7, 2006, with 60% of the vote. Florida was one of five Democratic-held Senate seats up for election in a state that George W. Bush won in the 2004 presidential election. Republican primary Candidates LeRoy Collins Jr., retired naval officer and son of former Governor LeRoy Collins Katherine Harris, U.S. representative and former Florida secretary of state Will McBride, attorney Peter Monroe, businessman and former COO of the Federal Housing Administration Orlando Sentinel - Central Florida Political Pulse: Florida Senate race archives http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_politics/florida_senate_race/index.html https://web.archive.org/web/20060324224610/http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_politics/florida_senate_race/index.html 2006-03-24 blogs.orlandosentinel.com Declined Jeb Bush, governor of Florida 1999–2007June 2026 Endorsements The Bradenton Herald: McBridehttp://www.bradenton.com/mld/bradenton/news/opinion/15363709.htm Archived copy August 30, 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20110607052613/http://www.bradenton.com/mld/bradenton/news/opinion/15363709.htm June 7, 2011 dead Florida (Jacksonville) Times-Union: Collins or MonroeU.S. SENATE: It's a toss up | Jacksonville.com Gainesville Sun: Collinspalmbeachpost.com Lakeland Ledger: Collins Miami Herald: Collins404 | MiamiHerald.comJuly 2021 Naples Daily News: Collins Orlando Sentinel: McBrideTopic Galleries - OrlandoSentinel.comAugust 2019 InternetArchiveBot yes Palm Beach Post: Monroe Sarasota Herald-Tribune: no endorsement South Florida (Fort Lauderdale) Sun Sentinel: Monroe St. Petersburg Times: Collins Tampa Tribune: Collins Polling Poll Source Date LeRoyCollins Jr. KatherineHarris WillMcBride PeterMonroeStrategic VisionStrategic Vision July 26, 2006 9% 45% 22% 7%Mason-DixonMason-Dixon July 26, 2006 8% 36% 11% 2%QuinnipiacQuinnipiac July 27, 2006 6% 40% 21% 3%Scroth Eldon & AssociatesScroth Eldon & Associates August 11, 2006 9% 28% 11% 5%SurveyUSASurveyUSA August 24, 2006 20% 43% 15% 7%Strategic VisionStrategic Vision August 30, 2006 19% 38% 21% 5%QuinnipiacQuinnipiac August 31, 2006 11% 38% 22% 3%SurveyUSASurveyUSA August 31, 2006 12% 45% 22% 5%Mason-DixonMason-Dixon August 2019 InternetArchiveBot yes September 2, 2006 17% 38% 21% 2% Primary Results September 5, 2006 15% 49% 30% 5% thumb|Republican primary results by county #ed8783 Harris #fbdedd 30–40% #f1b4b2 40–50% #ed8783 50–60% #e55651 60–70% #d02923 70–80% #dc8c53 McBride #f9dfcb 30–40% Results Republican primary resultshttps://results.elections.myflorida.com/ Official Results September 5, 2006 Republican Primary Election September 5, 2006 December 1, 2017 Florida Department of State Republican Party (United States) Katherine Harris 474,871 49.4 Republican Party (United States) Will McBride 287,741 30.0 Republican Party (United States) LeRoy Collins Jr. 146,712 15.3 Republican Party (United States) Peter Monroe 51,330 5.3 960,654 100.0 General election Candidates March 2010 Floyd Ray Frazier (Independent) Katherine Harris, former Florida secretary of state and former U.S. representative (Republican) Brian Moore, retired health care executive and former congressional candidate (Independent) Bill Nelson, incumbent U.S. senator (Democratic) Belinda Noah (Independent) Roy Tanner (Independent) Campaign The organization Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), which monitors political corruption, complained to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) in October 2006 that the Bacardi beverage company had illegally used corporate resources in support of a fundraising event for Nelson in 2005. CREW had previously filed a similar complaint concerning a Bacardi fundraising event for Republican Senator Mel Martinez, an event that raised as much as $60,000 for Martinez's campaign. The amended complaint alleged that, on both occasions, Bacardi violated the Federal Election Campaign Act and FEC regulations by soliciting contributions from a list of the corporation's vendors.https://www.citizensforethics.org/legal-filing/crew-files-amended-fec-complaint-against-bacardi-usa-and-martinez-for-senat/ CREW FILES AMENDED FEC COMPLAINT AGAINST BACARDI USA AND MARTINEZ FOR SENATE Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington August 7, 2018 August 8, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180808073128/https://www.citizensforethics.org/legal-filing/crew-files-amended-fec-complaint-against-bacardi-usa-and-martinez-for-senat/ dead Endorsements In a rare move, all twenty-two of Florida's daily newspapers supported Nelson, while none supported Harris in the general election.Kormanik Beth Harris, Nelson tout testimonials http://jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/103106/met_5911837.shtml https://web.archive.org/web/20120322012151/http://jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/103106/met_5911837.shtml 2012-03-22 2026-09-11 jacksonville.com en dead The only paper to endorse Harris was the Polk County Democrat in Bartow, Harris's hometown.Lipman Larry 2006-10-29 Nelson Sweeps Editorial Endorsements http://www.palmbeachpost.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/palmbeach/floridapolitics/entries/2006/10/29/nelson_sweeps_editorial_endors.html https://web.archive.org/web/20111111101827/http://www.palmbeachpost.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/palmbeach/floridapolitics/entries/2006/10/29/nelson_sweeps_editorial_endors.html 2011-11-11 2026-09-11 The Palm Beach Post Bradenton Herald: Bill Nelsonhttp://www.nelsonforsenate.com/newsroom/releases/?id=12 Bill Nelson For Senate July 13, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20061213204756/http://www.nelsonforsenate.com/newsroom/releases/?id=12 December 13, 2006 dead Charlotte Sun-Herald: Bill Nelson Daytona Beach News-Journal: Bill Nelsonhttp://www.nelsonforsenate.com/newsroom/mediaclips/?id=32 Bill Nelson For Senate October 16, 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20061018190233/http://www.nelsonforsenate.com/newsroom/mediaclips/?id=32 October 18, 2006 dead Florida Times-Union: Bill NelsonU.S. SENATE: Nelson the best choice | Jacksonville.com Fort Myers News-Press: Bill NelsonThe News Press Endorsement Recap Gainesville Sun: Bill Nelsonhttp://www.nelsonforsenate.com/newsroom/mediaclips/?id=37 Bill Nelson For Senate October 16, 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20061018180425/http://www.nelsonforsenate.com/newsroom/mediaclips/?id=37 October 18, 2006 dead Lakeland Ledger: Bill Nelson Miami Herald: Bill Nelson Naples Daily News: Bill Nelsonhttp://www.nelsonforsenate.com/newsroom/mediaclips/?id=39 Bill Nelson For Senate October 20, 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20061018181747/http://www.nelsonforsenate.com/newsroom/mediaclips/?id=39 October 18, 2006 dead Orlando Sentinel: Bill Nelsonhttp://www.nelsonforsenate.com/newsroom/mediaclips/?id=49 Bill Nelson For Senate November 1, 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20061101202756/http://www.nelsonforsenate.com/newsroom/mediaclips/?id=49 November 1, 2006 dead Palm Beach Post: Bill Nelsonhttp://www.nelsonforsenate.com/newsroom/mediaclips/?id=30 Bill Nelson For Senate October 11, 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20061011191823/http://www.nelsonforsenate.com/newsroom/mediaclips/?id=30 October 11, 2006 dead Pensacola News Journal: Bill Nelsonhttp://www.nelsonforsenate.com/newsroom/mediaclips/?id=47 Bill Nelson For Senate November 1, 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20061101202728/http://www.nelsonforsenate.com/newsroom/mediaclips/?id=47 November 1, 2006 dead Saint Petersburg Times: Bill NelsonNelson for U.S. Senate Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Bill Nelsonhttp://www.nelsonforsenate.com/newsroom/mediaclips/?id=34 Bill Nelson For Senate October 16, 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20061018190030/http://www.nelsonforsenate.com/newsroom/mediaclips/?id=34 October 18, 2006 dead Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers: Bill Nelsonhttp://www.nelsonforsenate.com/newsroom/mediaclips/?id=33 Bill Nelson For Senate October 16, 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20061018185626/http://www.nelsonforsenate.com/newsroom/mediaclips/?id=33 October 18, 2006 dead South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Bill Nelsonhttp://www.nelsonforsenate.com/newsroom/mediaclips/?id=38 Bill Nelson For Senate October 20, 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20061018180550/http://www.nelsonforsenate.com/newsroom/mediaclips/?id=38 October 18, 2006 dead Tallahassee Democrat: Bill NelsonTallahassee Democrat - www.tallahassee.com - Tallahassee, FL Tampa Tribune: Bill Nelsonhttp://www.nelsonforsenate.com/newsroom/mediaclips/?id=35 Bill Nelson For Senate October 16, 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20061018184708/http://www.nelsonforsenate.com/newsroom/mediaclips/?id=35 October 18, 2006 dead Polk County Democrat: Katherine Harris Debates Complete video of debate, October 23, 2006 Complete video of debate, November 1, 2006 Predictions Source Ranking As of The Cook Political Report2006 Senate Race Ratings for November 6, 2006 https://cookpolitical.com/races/report_pdfs/2006_sen_ratings_nov6.pdf The Cook Political Report https://web.archive.org/web/20080605093937/https://cookpolitical.com/races/report_pdfs/2006_sen_ratings_nov6.pdf September 30, 2021 June 5, 2008 Solid D November 6, 2006 Sabato's Crystal BallElection Eve 2006: THE FINAL PREDICTIONS https://centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/articles/ljs2006110601/ Sabato's Crystal Ball November 6, 2006 June 25, 2021 Safe D November 6, 2006 Rothenberg Political Report2006 Senate Ratings https://www.insideelections.com/ratings/senate/2006-senate-ratings6 Senate Ratings The Rothenberg Political Report June 25, 2021 Safe D November 6, 2006 Real Clear PoliticsElection 2006 https://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/writeup/election_2006-21.html Real Clear Politics June 25, 2021 Safe D November 6, 2006 Polling Graphical summary Opinion polling for the 2006 United States Senate election in Florida.chart Opinion polling for the 2006 United States Senate election in Florida.tab 700px Poll source Date BillNelson (D) KatherineHarris (R)Strategic Vision (R)Strategic Vision (R) July 20, 2005 48% 40%Strategic Vision (R)Strategic Vision (R) August 21, 2005 47% 38%QuinnipiacQuinnipiac August 31, 2005 57% 33%Strategic Vision (R)Strategic Vision (R) September 22, 2005 48% 36%RasmussenRasmussen https://web.archive.org/web/20051124142158/http://www.rasmussenreports.com/2005/Florida%20Senate%20Nov%2015.htm November 24, 2005 November 14, 2005 53% 36%QuinnipiacQuinnipiac November 15, 2005 55% 31%Strategic Vision (R)Strategic Vision (R) November 30, 2005 48% 32%RasmussenRasmussen January 5, 2006 54% 31%RasmussenRasmussen February 14, 2006 49% 40%Strategic Vision (R)Strategic Vision (R) February 22, 2006 49% 34%QuinnipiacQuinnipiac February 24, 2006 53% 31%University of North FloridaUniversity of North Florida March 15, 2006 48% 28%Mason-DixonMason-Dixon August 2024 InternetArchiveBot yes March 29, 2006 51% 35%Strategic Vision (R)Strategic Vision (R) March 30, 2006 56% 28%Zogby/WSJZogby/WSJ March 31, 2006 50% 37%RasmussenRasmussen April 14, 2006 57% 27%QuinnipiacQuinnipiac April 20, 2006 56% 27%Strategic Vision (R)Strategic Vision (R) April 26, 2006 56% 24%RasmussenRasmussen May 22, 2006 60% 33%Strategic Vision (R)Strategic Vision (R) May 25, 2006 56% 26%QuinnipiacQuinnipiac May 25, 2006 58% 25%Zogby/WSJZogby/WSJ June 21, 2006 51% 33%Strategic Vision (R)Strategic Vision (R) June 28, 2006 61% 26%QuinnipiacQuinnipiac June 30, 2006 59% 26%Zogby/WSJ July 24, 2006 55% 34%Strategic Vision (R)Strategic Vision (R) July 26, 2006 60% 22%Mason-Dixon July 26, 2006 57% 29%QuinnipiacQuinnipiac July 27, 2006 61% 24%RasmussenRasmussen https://web.archive.org/web/20060922092220/http://rasmussenreports.com/2006/State%20Polls/July%202006/floridaSenate.htm September 22, 2006 July 28, 2006 61% 33%St. Petersburg TimesSt. Petersburg Times August 11, 2006 60% 25%Zogby/WSJZogby/WSJ August 28, 2006 52% 32%Strategic Vision (R)Strategic Vision (R) August 30, 2006 63% 20%RasmussenRasmussen September 5, 2006 57% 34%Zogby/WSJ September 11, 2006 51% 33%SurveyUSASurveyUSA September 14, 2006 53% 38%Mason-DixonMason-Dixon September 20–22, 2006 53% 35%Strategic Vision (R)Strategic Vision (R) September 27, 2006 59% 31%RasmussenRasmussen September 27, 2006 56% 33%RasmussenRasmussen October 4, 2006 54% 37%SurveyUSASurveyUSA October 10, 2006 55% 37%QuinnipiacQuinnipiac October 11, 2006 61% 33%Mason-DixonMason-Dixon October 16–17, 2006 57% 31%Strategic Vision (R)Strategic Vision (R) October 25, 2006 58% 35%QuinnipiacQuinnipiac October 25, 2006 64% 29%St. Petersburg TimesSt. Petersburg Times October 28, 2006 56% 30%Strategic Vision (R)Strategic Vision (R) November 2, 2006 59% 33%Mason-DixonMason-Dixon November 3, 2006 58% 34%SurveyUSASurveyUSA November 5, 2006 59% 36% Results As expected, Nelson was easily reelected. He won with 60.3% of the vote, winning by 1,064,421 votes or 22.2%, and carried 57 of Florida's 67 counties. Nelson was projected the winner almost immediately when the polls closed at 7 P.M. EST. General election results Democratic Party (United States) Bill Nelson (incumbent) 2,890,548 60.30% +9.26% Republican Party (United States) Katherine Harris 1,826,127 38.10% -8.09% Independent politician Belinda Noah 24,880 0.52% n/a Independent politician Brian Moore 19,695 0.41% n/a Independent politician Floyd Ray Frazier 16,628 0.35% n/a Independent politician Roy Tanner 15,562 0.32% n/a 94 0.00% n/a 1,064,421 22.21% +17.36% 4,793,534 Democratic Party (United States) Counties that flipped from Republican to Democratic Gilchrist (largest city: Trenton) Sumter (largest city: The Villages) 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) Lake (largest city: Clermont) Lee (largest city: Cape Coral) Suwannee (largest city: Live Oak) Duval (largest municipality: Jacksonville) Seminole (largest municipality: Sanford) Hendry (largest city: Clewiston) Marion (largest city: Ocala) See also 2006 United States Senate elections 2006 Florida gubernatorial election 2006 Florida state elections 2006 United States House of Representatives elections in Florida References External links Debates Debate, October 23, 2006 Campaign websites (archived) Bill Nelson for Senate Katherine Harris for Senate Leroy Collins for Senate Peter Monroe for Senate Ray Frazier for SenateJanuary 2025 medicmedic Brian Moore for Senate Belinda Noah for Senate Roy Tanner for Senate Lawrence Scott for Senate Florida 2006 Category:2006 Florida elections