AFTER MORE THAN 25 YEARS IN FLORIDA ’ S LEGISLATURE , BEAN IS SETTING HIS SIGHTS ON WASHINGTON , D . C .
Although Florida Senator Aaron Bean ' 89 has held numerous political positions since his time at Jacksonville University — now taking aim at a spot in U . S . Congress — his first opportunities in politics came during his time as an undergraduate finance student .
Bean recalled traveling to Tallahassee with the late Dr . Fran Kinne , Jacksonville University ’ s president at the time , to lobby the legislature for additional resources for Florida ’ s private colleges and universities . The experience planted a seed for Bean and showed him that a career in politics and public service could be possible .
“ It made me think ‘ I can do that ,’” he said .
Dr . Kinne left an impression on Bean , as she has with many who have come through Jacksonville University ’ s gates , carrying her legacy and lessons with him for years following his time at JU . She taught him the importance of giving back to the community as they performed together at a Jacksonville retirement home — Bean sang and Dr . Kinne played the piano .
Bean went to work in that same building in Tallahassee he and Dr . Kinne visited nearly 30 years ago . He was elected to the legislature in 2000 , serving in the Florida House of Representatives until 2008 , then joined the Florida Senate in 2012 representing the 4th district , encompassing Nassau County and parts of Duval County . Announcing his retirement from the state legislature , in 2022 Bean served as outgoing President Pro Tempore of the Florida State Senate , the second highest rank in the Senate .
This fall , Bean is hoping for another victory : the race for the 4th Congressional District of Florida . It would make him the first Jacksonville University alumnus to hold national office .
“ I want to leave our country stronger and more prosperous for the next generation ,” he said . “ It ’ s what our parents did for us .”
The newly-drawn 4th Congressional District would include much of the same territory Bean represented as a State Senator , with the addition of Clay County and new areas of Duval County , which now includes Jacksonville University ’ s Arlington campus .
It wouldn ' t be Bean ’ s first experience on the national political stage . Following graduation from JU in 1989 , Bean worked for U . S . Senator Connie Mack in Washington , D . C ., where he learned the ins and outs of government .
During his time in the Florida House of Representatives , Bean advocated for legislation related to business owners , veterans , education , and economic growth . He worked his way up to serving as lieutenant for then-House Speaker Marco Rubio and chaired the Duval Delegation in his final term .
He ’ s been recognized by numerous organizations as a legislative advocate for their causes , including the Boys & Girls Club , The Florida Guardian ad Litem Foundation , Florida Council on Aging , The Monique Burr Foundation , and the ALS Association Florida Chapter , amongst countless others . He ’ s also a 2020 recipient of JU ’ s Distinguished Alumni Award .
FROM PRE-MED TO POLITICS
At JU , Bean became the president of the Student Government Association , the