Drew Nixon
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Drew Eldred Nixon (born November 21, 1959) was a Texas State Senator from 1995 to 2001, largely known for a tabloid sex scandal.
After graduating from Carthage High School, Nixon attended Panola Junior College (now, Panola College) and Stephen F. Austin State University, where he graduated summa cum laude in 1982 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting. Nixon is a Certified Public Accountant.
On November 8, 1994, Nixon was elected to the Texas State Senate to represent the Third Senatorial District. He was the first Republican to serve this district since Reconstruction. During the 74th Legislature, Nixon served on three committees: State Affairs, Health and Human Services, and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Agriculture. During the 75th Legislature he served as the Vice-Chair of State Affairs and on Health and Human Services, Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Congressional/Legislative Redistricting, and Nominations Committees. During the 76th Legislature he served on Health Services, Intergovernmental Relations, and State Affairs Subcommittee on Infrastructure. Nixon supported pro-business and economic development legislation and had interests in education and the criminal justice system. Nixon chose not to run for reelection in 2000.
[edit] Scandal
Nixon was arrested February 18, 1997 after he offered $35 for oral sex and intercourse from an undercover Austin police officer posing as a prostitute. The arrest came during a sting in South Austin. After the senator was handcuffed, police found a loaded revolver under the front seat of his car. He was charged with unlawful carrying of a weapon because he did not have a state permit to carry a concealed handgun.
Nixon pled guilty to the crimes and, despite former Lt. Governor Bob Bullock's testimony during sentencing that Nixon deserved leniency, the Senator was sentenced to serve six months in jail. Senator Nixon continued to serve in the Legislature while serving out his sentence on weekends.
| Preceded by: Bill Haley (D) |
Texas Senate, District 3
Drew Nixon (R) |
Succeeded by: Todd Staples (R) |
