David Joseph Weldon born August 31, 1953 is an American politician and physician. He served as a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Florida’s 15th congressional district, and was also a candidate in the 2012 Republican primary for Florida’s U.S. Senate seat, though he was unsuccessful. In November 2024, President Donald Trump appointed Weldon as the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Dave Weldon Biography 2024
In response to the legal controversy surrounding the removal of Terri Schiavo’s feeding tube, Weldon introduced legislation aimed at compelling the federal government to review the case. As a physician, Weldon disagreed with the diagnosis that Schiavo was in a vegetative state. He argued that she exhibited signs of responsiveness, stating, “She responds to verbal stimuli, she attempts to vocalize, she tracks with her eyes, she emotes, she attempts to kiss her father.”
In December 2005, Weldon, along with several other members of Congress, formed a bipartisan rock and country band called the Second Amendments. The group was set to perform for U.S. troops stationed abroad during the holiday season, with Weldon playing the bass guitar.
Dave Weldon Biography Details
| Born | August 31, 1953 (age 71)
Amityville, New York, U.S. |
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| Political party | Republican |
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| Spouse | |
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| Children | 2 |
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| Residence | Indialantic, Florida |
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| Alma mater | Stony Brook University (BS)
University at Buffalo (MD) |
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| Profession | Physician |
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Dave Weldon Early Life
Weldon was born on Long Island, New York, to Anna and David Joseph Weldon Sr., a combat-decorated World War II veteran. After graduating Phi Beta Kappa from Stony Brook University in 1978, he went on to earn his M.D. from the University at Buffalo School of Medicine in 1981, where he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. Weldon served in the United States Army from 1981 to 1987 and continued in the Army Reserve until 1992. After obtaining his medical degree, he practiced as a physician in Florida.
Dave Weldon Career
Role | Description |
Position | Physician and Politician |
Political Affiliation | Republican |
U.S. House Service | 1995-2009 |
Role in CDC | Nominee for Director (2024) |
Background | Physician, Former U.S. Congressman |
Early Life and Education
Education | Institution |
Undergraduate | Stony Brook University (Phi Beta Kappa) |
Medical School | University at Buffalo School of Medicine |
Medical Honor Society | Alpha Omega Alpha |
Dave Weldon Military Service
Service Branch | Time Period |
U.S. Army | 1981-1987 |
U.S. Army Reserve | 1987-1992 |
Dave Weldon Congressional Tenure
Key Event | Description |
First Elected | 1994, Florida’s 15th District |
Re-election Wins | Six consecutive terms from 1996-2006 |
Notable Legislation | Terri Schiavo case review |
Committee Assignments | Appropriations, Science, Education, Banking |
Dave Weldon Congressional Decision
Event | Action |
Retirement | Announced not seeking re-election for an eighth term |
Successor | Endorsed Bill Posey to succeed him |
Dave Weldon Senate Race
Candidate | Outcome |
Dave Weldon | Lost Republican primary with 20% of the vote |
Opponent | U.S. Representative Connie Mack IV |
Senate Election | Bill Nelson defeated Mack in the general election |
Post-Congress Career
Post-Politics Career | Role |
Medical Practice | Health First Medical Group in Malabar, Florida |
CDC Nominee | Director (2024, pending confirmation) |
Dave Weldon Legislative Focus
Focus Area | Description |
Healthcare | Advocated for healthcare reform and the pro-life movement |
Defense | Supported U.S. military and defense issues |
Education | Worked on policies related to education and workforce |
Dave Weldon Personal Life
Personal Detail | Information |
Spouse | Nancy Weldon |
Children | Two children |
Residence | Indialantic, Florida |
Contributions to Public Health
Area | Contribution |
Pro-Life Advocacy | Advocated for federal intervention in the Terri Schiavo case |
Military Service | Advocated for veterans’ health and services |
Healthcare Policy | Focused on issues related to health funding and services |
Dave Weldon Political Influence
Political Influence | Details |
Committees | Served on several key House committees |
Caucus Memberships | Co-founded the Congressional Aerospace and Israel Allies Caucuses |
Bipartisanship | Worked across the aisle on various initiatives |
Dave Weldon Re-election Campaign
Candidate | Outcome |
Dave Weldon | Won with 56% of the vote |
Opponent | Bob Bowman, former presidential candidate |
Campaign and Decision
Event | Decision |
2008 Election | Chose not to run for re-election |
Retirement Reason | Desire to return to his medical career |
Election for Florida’s 32nd District
Candidate | Outcome |
Dave Weldon | Lost in the Republican primary |
Opponent | State Senator Debbie Mayfield |
Dave Weldon Legislative Achievements
Key Legislation | Description |
Terri Schiavo Case | Introduced legislation for federal review |
Healthcare Initiatives | Advocated for improved healthcare access |
Military Support | Worked on defense and veterans’ affairs policies |
Dave Weldon Net Worth
Dave Weldon estimated net worth is $677011.
Dave Weldon Summary
Dave Weldon is a notable figure in American politics and public health, known for his extensive service in the U.S. House of Representatives, his medical background, and his contributions to key healthcare and defense policies. After serving as a Congressman from Florida’s 15th district from 1995 to 2009, he pursued an unsuccessful Senate bid in 2012 but continued to be active in various political and health-related initiatives. In 2024, Weldon was nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. His career highlights a commitment to public service, healthcare reform, and bipartisan cooperation.
