Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/sen-bill-nelson-defeats-rep-connie-mack-iv-to-keep-the-sen Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Story Sen. Bill Nelson holds off challenger Republican Rep. Connie Mack IV, who was elected as Florida’s 14th District representative in 2004, to keep the senate in Florida. The robust political battle has seen a record amount of money spent in the state. Nelson had held a strong edge in all key swing demographics, including independent voters, moderates and the Tampa Bay area.