In the Texas Senate, Nichols currently serves as Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee. Senator Nichols also serves on the Business and Commerce, Finance, Local Government, and Select Redistricting Committees. He is a member of the Legislative Audit Committee, and a former Vice-Chair of the Sunset Advisory Commission.

During his nine sessions as a state senator, Nichols authored and passed legislation to protect landowners' rights, increase educational opportunities in East Texas and reform transportation policies. He has also worked to reduce Medicaid fraud and promote free-market principles. He was designated as a Top Legislator by Texas Insider, a Champion of Free Enterprise by the Texas Association of Business, a Courageous Conservative by the Texas Conservative Coalition, a Champion for Public Education by Raise Your Hand Texas, and a Top 10 Best Legislator for the 85th and 88th Legislative Sessions by Texas Monthly Magazine.

Before running for Senate, Nichols served as transportation commissioner for eight years where he established a reputation for increasing efficiency without compromising quality.

Nichols is a businessman from Jacksonville, Texas. In his hometown, he served on city council, was elected mayor, built four successful manufacturing facilities, earned 32 U.S. patents and 128 foreign patents, as well as creating more than 900 jobs for East Texas families.

Working his way through college by selling fireworks and ironing clothes for other students, Nichols earned a bachelor's degree from Lamar University in 1968. He married his high school sweetheart, Donna, and they are the proud parents of three children- Brittney, Joshua, and Collynn'rae. He is a member of the First Methodist Church in Jacksonville.