-e1738956498465-150x150.jpg "The Nation's Leaders from Coast to Coast")
-240x300.jpg)
Early Life and Education
Rick Scott, born Richard Lynn Scott on December 1, 1952, in Bloomington, Illinois, grew up in a middle-class family. His father worked as a truck driver, and his mother was a homemaker. Scott’s early life was marked by a strong work ethic, which he attributes to his parents. After graduating from high school, he attended community college before transferring to the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Later, he received his law degree from Southern Methodist University.
Business Career
Following his education, Rick Scott embarked on a business career that would define much of his public persona. He started in the healthcare industry, working for various companies before co-founding Columbia Hospital Corporation in 1987. This company later merged with Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) in 1989, creating the largest private for-profit hospital chain in the United States. Scott served as CEO of HCA until 1997 when he was forced to resign amid a massive Medicare fraud investigation. Although he was never personally charged, the company paid a record $1.7 billion in fines. This episode significantly shaped his later political narrative, focusing on government overreach and regulatory burdens.
Political Ascendancy
After his business career, Scott turned his attention to politics. In 2010, he ran for Governor of Florida as a Republican, campaigning on a platform of job creation, tax cuts, and reducing the size of government. Despite his controversial past, Scott won the election by a narrow margin, defeating the incumbent, Charlie Crist. His tenure as Governor was marked by efforts to reform education, reduce state spending, and expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, albeit with significant modifications to suit his conservative principles.
United States Senator
After serving two terms as Governor, Rick Scott set his sights on the U.S. Senate. In 2018, he challenged incumbent Democratic Senator Bill Nelson. The race was one of the closest in the nation, with Scott ultimately winning by a very slim margin after a recount. As a Senator, Scott has continued to advocate for policies that reflect his business background, focusing on deregulation, tax reform, and economic growth. He has also been vocal on issues like immigration, healthcare, and national security, often aligning with the more conservative wing of the Republican Party.
Personal Life and Legacy
Rick Scott married Ann Holland in 1972, and they have two daughters. His personal life has been relatively private, focusing on family and community involvement. His legacy is a mixed bag; supporters praise his business acumen and his efforts to streamline government operations, while critics often point to his past controversies and his policies’ impact on the less fortunate. As a Senator, Scott continues to be a significant figure in Florida politics, known for his tenacity and his commitment to conservative values, even as he navigates the complexities of national politics.
Join us at Pointed Words or Senator Rick Scott at House.gov