Wayne Mixson
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John Wayne Mixson (born June 16, 1922) was the thirty-ninth governor of the U.S. state of Florida. He assumed the office in January 1987 after Bob Graham stepped down to take his seat in the United States Senate.
Born in New Brockton, Alabama, immediately after graduating from high school he moved to Florida. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Following the war, he attended Columbia University and the University of Pennsylvania. In 1947, he received a degree in Business Administration from the University of Florida. Also in the same year, he married his wife, Margie Grace. His political career began with the Florida House of Representatives, serving six consecutive terms. In 1978, he was elected Lieutenant Governor on the ticket with Governor Bob Graham. He was re-elected in 1982 and was also appointed the state Secretary of Commerce. On January 3, 1987, he became governor upon the resignation of Governor Bob Graham to become one of Florida's U.S. Senators. He served just three days as caretaker, until January 6, 1987, when elected in November Bob Martinez was sworn in as governor.
Governor Mixson holds an honorary doctorate from the Florida Institute of Technology. He has served on several boards of directors, including Bankers Insurance Company and the First Community Bank in St. Petersburg, Florida, where he serves as chairman, First Community Insurance Company of Rochester, New York, the Florida Economic Club, Florida Tax Watch, the University of Florida Foundation, and the North Florida Community Foundation.
During the 2004 presidential election, Governor Mixson crossed party lines to endorse the re-election of President George W. Bush. As of 2005 Governor Mixson has decided to rejoin the Democratic column, endorsing State Senator Rod Smith (D-Alachua) in the Democratic primary for Governor of Florida. Governor Mixson has also agreed to serve as a Co-Chairman of Sen. Smith's campaign, which has drawn criticism from leading Florida Democrats.
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| Preceded by J.H. Williams |
Lieutenant Governor of Florida 1979–1987 |
Succeeded by Bobby Brantley |
| Preceded by Bob Graham |
Governor of Florida 1987 |
Succeeded by Robert Martinez |
| Territorial: Jackson • Duval • Eaton • Call • Reid • Call • Branch
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