President-elect Trump has picked former Florida Rep. Dave Weldon (R-FL) to head the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
“I am thrilled to announce that former Congressman, Dr. Dave Weldon, is nominated to serve as Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),” Trump said on Truth Social.
Weldon was elected to Congress in 1994, the election known as the “Republican Revolution.” He served as Florida’s 15th Congressional District representative, which included Brevard and Indian River County, from 1995 to 2009. Weldon is an Army veteran and medical doctor.
Conservative groups have praised the former Congressman for questioning the safety of some vaccines.
Between 1998-2006, Weldon won his re-elections ranging from 59-65% of the vote.
In 2006 when Democrats won both the U.S House and the Senate, Weldon still won his seat with 59% of the vote.
In 2012, many inside the Florida republican party weren’t happy with the candidates running for the GOP bid to take out incumbent Democrat Bill Nelson, so several conservative groups wanted Welson to run in the GOP primary that year. But the Congressman didn’t get in the race until 3 months before the republican primary and lost to Republican opponent U.S. Representative Connie Mack IV. Weldon by 20%. Welson was supported by Christian conservatives but couldn’t get enough traction as he trailed in fundraising and poll numbers. Mack went on to lose the general election to Nelson, 42-55%.
This year, Welson ran for the Florida State House District 32 in Brevard County against former state senator Debbie Mayfield. Weldon came up short in the GOP primary, losing to Mayfield 65%-35%.
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