Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Dave Weldon
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Dave Weldon made an impact.
David (Dave) Joseph Weldon is an American politician and physician. He served as a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives, representing Florida's 15th congressional district. Weldon also ran, unsuccessfully, for the Republican nomination in Florida's 2012 U.S. Senate race. His background as a medical doctor informs his political perspectives, combining his experience in science and medicine with his role in government.
1981: Joined the United States Army
In 1981, Weldon began his service in the United States Army.
1981: Earned M.D. Degree
In 1981, Weldon earned his M.D. degree at the University at Buffalo School of Medicine.
1987: Joined the United States Army Reserve
In 1987, Weldon transitioned from the United States Army to the United States Army Reserve.
1992: End of Service in the United States Army Reserve
In 1992, Weldon concluded his service in the United States Army Reserve.
1994: Elected to U.S. House of Representatives
In 1994, Weldon was elected to represent Florida's 15th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives, defeating Sue Munsey in the general election.
1996: Re-elected to Second Term
In 1996, Weldon was re-elected to a second term, defeating John L. Byron.
1998: Re-elected to Third Term
In 1998, Weldon was re-elected to a third term in Congress.
2000: Re-elected to Fourth Term
In 2000, Weldon was re-elected to a fourth term in Congress.
2002: Re-elected to Fifth Term
In 2002, Weldon was re-elected to a fifth term in Congress.
2004: Introduction of the Weldon Amendment
In 2004, Weldon introduced the Weldon Amendment, preventing healthcare programs receiving federal funding from requiring healthcare entities to provide, pay for, or refer for abortion services.
2004: Re-elected to Sixth Term
In 2004, Weldon was re-elected to a sixth term in Congress.
2005: Weldon Amendment included in appropriations bills
Since 2005, The Weldon Amendment has been included in annual appropriations bills.
2006: Re-election to Seventh Term
In 2006, despite significantly less funding for his opponent, Weldon won re-election to a seventh term with 56% of the vote against Bob Bowman.
2007: Introduction of Vaccine Safety Oversight Legislation
In 2007, Weldon introduced legislation aimed at transferring vaccine safety oversight from the CDC to an independent agency within HHS, citing concerns about conflicts of interest and inadequate research funding.
January 25, 2008: Announcement of Not Seeking Re-election
On January 25, 2008, Weldon announced he would not seek an eighth term, claiming he never wanted to be a career politician and would return to his medical practice.
2012: Lost Republican Primary for U.S. Senate
In 2012, Weldon ran for the U.S. Senate but lost the Republican primary to Connie Mack IV, receiving only 20% of the vote.
2012: Unsuccessful Senate Candidacy
In 2012, Weldon was an unsuccessful candidate for the Republican nomination in Florida's U.S. Senate race.
2017: President of Alliance of Health Care Sharing Ministries
In 2017, Weldon became the president of the Alliance of Health Care Sharing Ministries, a trade group for Christian organizations offering an alternative to traditional health insurance.
November 2024: Nomination as CDC Director
In November 2024, Donald Trump nominated Weldon as the next director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, requiring Senate confirmation.
2024: Lost Primary for Florida's 32nd House District
In 2024, Weldon ran for Florida's 32nd House of Representatives district but lost the primary to state senator Debbie Mayfield, receiving 35% of the vote.
March 2025: Withdrawal of CDC Director Nomination
In March 2025, Donald Trump withdrew Weldon's nomination for director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
