Rick G. Nelson (born June 11, 1954) is an American politician who served as a member of the Kentucky House of Representatives for the 87th district from January 2001 to January 2019. He ran for Kentucky state treasurer in the 2015 elections to succeed term-limited Democratic incumbent Todd Hollenbach, but lost to Republican Allison Ball. Education Nelson was born in Black Star Coal Camp, Kentucky. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Cumberland College (now the University of the Cumberlands) and a Master of Arts from Eastern Kentucky University. Elections 2012: Nelson was unopposed for the May 22, 2012 Democratic primary and won the November 6, 2012 general election with 8,860 votes (69.6%) against Republican nominee Joshua Howard. 2010: Nelson was unopposed for the May 18, 2010 Democratic primary and the November 2, 2010 general election, winning with 9,202 votes (77.5%) against Republican nominee Barry Carnes, who had run in the Republican primary in 2002. 2008: Nelson was unopposed for both the 2008 Democratic primary and the November 4, 2008 general election, winning with 9,334 votes. 2006: Nelson was challenged in the three-way 2006 Democratic primary, winning with 4,239 votes (63.1%) and won the November 7, 2006 general election with 10,253 votes (78.1%) against Republican nominee Glynna Brown. 2004: Nelson was unopposed for both the 2004 Democratic primary and the November 2, 2004 general election, winning with 9,095 votes. 2002: Nelson was unopposed for the 2002 Democratic primary and won the November 5, 2002 general election with 8,017 votes (67.1%) against Republican nominee Timothy Lasley. 2000: When Representative Ausmus left the Legislature and left the seat open, Nelson was unopposed for the 2000 Democratic primary and won the November 7, 2000 general election with 5,853 votes (52.3%) against Republican nominee Scott Madon. 1998: When district 87 Representative Michael Bowling left the Legislature and left the seat open, Nelson ran as an Independent in the three-way November 3, 1998 general election, but lost to Republican nominee Bo Ausmus. References External links Official page at the Kentucky general Assembly Rick Nelson at Ballotpedia Rick G. Nelson at OpenSecrets 1954 births Living people Eastern Kentucky University alumni Democratic Party members of the Kentucky House of Representatives People from Harlan County, Kentucky People from Middlesboro, Kentucky 21st-century American politicians