John Wayne Mixson (June 16, 1922 – July 8, 2020) was an American political figure known for long involvement in Florida state government. Born in New Brockton, Alabama and raised in Jackson County, Florida, Mixson became active in public life as a member of the Democratic Party. Over several decades he combined elected office and executive responsibilities, retiring from public life after a career that spanned legislative service, the lieutenant governorship and a brief period as governor.

Mixson began his statewide public career in the Florida House of Representatives, where he served before being chosen as running mate to Governor Bob Graham. His record in the state legislature and reputation within the party helped secure the Democratic ticket; the pair were elected in 1978 and won reelection in 1982. For background on his earlier roles and public record see the linked profile and contemporary accounts of his career here.

From 1979 to 1987 Mixson served as Florida's lieutenant governor, a post that combined ceremonial duties with administrative responsibilities. During his second term he also held the title of state Secretary of Commerce, supervising economic development initiatives and coordinating with business and local governments. These executive assignments reflected the practice in Florida of assigning specific portfolios to the lieutenant governor to advance the administration's policy agenda and outreach.

Mixson's most widely noted moment came at the transition between administrations in January 1987. When Governor Bob Graham resigned on January 3 to take a seat as a United States Senator, Mixson was sworn in as governor. He served from January 3 until January 6, when the governor-elect, Bob Martinez, was inaugurated. That three-day term is among the shortest gubernatorial tenures in modern Florida history and illustrates constitutional succession mechanisms for state chief executives.

After leaving office Mixson remained engaged in civic affairs and occasionally made public political statements. In the 2004 presidential campaign he drew attention for crossing party lines to endorse the reelection bid of President George W. Bush (2004 presidential election), a move noted in media coverage as an example of bipartisan endorsement by a longtime Democrat.

Offices and notable facts

  • Member, Florida House of Representatives — state legislative service and constituent work (legislative record).
  • Lieutenant Governor of Florida (1979–1987) — two terms with defined executive duties and program oversight.
  • Florida Secretary of Commerce (during second term) — economic development and business liaison responsibilities.
  • Acting Governor of Florida (January 3–6, 1987) — brief succession after Graham's resignation.

Mixson died in Tallahassee, Florida on July 8, 2020, at the age of 98. His career is often cited in discussions of Florida political history for its durability, the practical role of the lieutenant governor in state government, and the unusual three-day governorship that punctuated his public service. For further reading and archival materials see linked resources and contemporary reports from his time in office (regional histories, accounts of the Graham administration).