About Robert Nichols

On January 9, 2007, Robert Lee Nichols was sworn in to represent the citizens of Texas State Senate District 3, which is comprised of 16 counties ranging from southern Tyler to just north of Houston and stretching east to the Texas-Louisiana border.

In the Texas Senate, Nichols serves as vice chair of the Intergovernmental Relations Committee and sits on the Transportation and Homeland Security, Health and Human Services, and Nominations Committees.

Senator Nichols’ proposal to put a two-year moratorium on private toll roads became a landmark issue of the 2007 legislative session and led to dramatic reforms that protect Texas drivers. He also authored or sponsored legislation to increase the rights of Texas homeowners, reduce Medicaid fraud, prevent child fatalities, and increase penalties for those tampering with evidence in a murder investigation.

Senator Nichols is a tried-and-true conservative.  He served as County Chairman for dozens of Republican candidates including United States Senators John Tower, Phil Gramm and John Cornyn, then-Governor George W. Bush, and Governor Rick Perry.  And Nichols’ conservative tradition continues.  Following the 80th Legislative Session, the Texas Eagle Forum named Senator Nichols one of the most conservative members of the Texas Legislature – a distinction shared with only one other member of the Texas Senate.

Before becoming a state senator, Nichols was a successful small businessman, mayor, and Texas transportation commissioner. In those roles he established a reputation as an independent thinker and problem solver, and he is quickly solidifying that reputation in the Texas Senate.

Senator Nichols worked his way through Lamar University by selling fireworks and ironing clothes for other students.  He earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering in 1968, and returned to his hometown of Jacksonville, Texas to found his first business.  Nichols married his high school sweetheart, Donna, and they have three children:  Brittney, Joshua and Collynn’rae.

In addition to his role as state senator, Nichols also serves as a board member for Lon Morris College, the East Texas Medical Center, and the Nan Travis Hospital Foundation, and he is a member of the First United Methodist Church in Jacksonville.