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 2025, President Donald Trump appointed Weldon as the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Dave Weldon Biography 2025
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.”
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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.
Political party
Republican
Spouse
Nancy Weldon
(m. 1979)
Children
2
Residence
Indialantic, Florida
Alma mater
Stony Brook University (BS)
University at Buffalo (MD)
Profession
Physician
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 (2025)
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 (2025, 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 2025, 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.
