12 Facts About Jim Nielsen

James Wiley Nielsen was born on July 31,1944 and is an American politician from California who served in the California State Senate for the 4th district.

Jim Nielsen served in the State Senate until 1990, in the State Assembly from 2009 to 2012, and returned to the State Senate following a 2013 special election.

On July 31,1944, Jim Nielsen was born in Fresno, California.

Jim Nielsen has a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Business from California State University, Fresno.

Jim Nielsen was first elected to the Senate in 1978 by defeating 4th district incumbent John Dunlap, a freshman Democrat.

Jim Nielsen then went on to win easy reelections in 1982 and 1986.

Jim Nielsen served as Republican Leader in the Senate from 1983 until 1987.

Jim Nielsen established himself as a traditional tough-on-crime conservative who championed the cause for lower taxes, controlled government spending and gun rights for law-abiding citizens.

Jim Nielsen authored legislation to promote welfare reform and reduce welfare fraud, including the acclaimed GAIN program, and he authored and coauthored bills to promote agricultural exports.

Jim Nielsen was narrowly unseated by Democrat Mike Thompson, an aide to then Assemblywoman Jackie Speier.

Jim Nielsen won the case and even received a judgment for court costs in the amount of $7,400 against Plaintiff Don Bird.

Jim Nielsen was the largest taxpayer-funded gas card spender in the state legislature for 2010 costing $10,410.68.