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Jeb Bush

Jeb Bush, born John Ellis Bush, is an American politician and member of the Republican Party.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Jeb Bush is an American politician and member of the Republican Party. He served as the 43rd governor of Florida from 1999 to 2007 and sought the Republican nomination for president in 2016.

Early life and education

Jeb Bush was born in Midland, Texas, in 1953. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Latin American studies from the University of Texas at Austin.

Business and early political career

After moving to Florida, Bush worked in real estate and later served as Florida’s secretary of commerce in the late 1980s. He also founded the Foundation for Florida’s Future after an unsuccessful gubernatorial bid in 1994.

Governor of Florida

Bush served two terms as governor from 1999 to 2007. His administration focused on school accountability, school choice, tax reduction, and environmental protection.

2016 presidential campaign

Bush entered the 2016 Republican presidential race but did not win the nomination. His campaign attracted attention because of his family’s political prominence.

Key facts

  • He was elected governor of Florida in 1998 and re-elected in 2002.
  • He was the first Republican in Florida history to be re-elected governor.
  • As governor, he emphasized education reform, tax relief, and economic development.
  • He ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016.
  • He is the son of former U.S. president George H. W. Bush and brother of former president George W. Bush.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Jeb Bush?
Jeb Bush is an American Republican politician who served as governor of Florida from 1999 to 2007.
What is Jeb Bush’s full name?
His full name is John Ellis Bush.
When was Jeb Bush born?
He was born on February 11, 1953, in Midland, Texas.
What office did Jeb Bush hold in Florida?
He was the 43rd governor of Florida from January 1999 to January 2007.
Did Jeb Bush run for president?
Yes. He sought the Republican nomination for president in 2016.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeb_Bush
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, and basic biographical details.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jeb-Bush
    Supports: Overview of Bush’s political career, governorship, and 2016 presidential bid.
  3. Florida Department of State — https://dos.fl.gov/florida-facts/florida-history/florida-governors/john-ellis-bush/
    Supports: Official record of Bush’s governorship, education, marriage, children, and career history.
  4. National Governors Association — https://www.nga.org/governor/jeb-bush/
    Supports: Governorship dates and policy priorities in office.
  5. CNN — https://www.cnn.com/politics/jeb-bush-fast-facts
    Supports: Family relationships, education, and notable public background.