Paula Hawkins (born January 24, 1927) is an American politician. In 1978, she was the Republican candidate for Lt. Governor on the ticket headed by Jack Eckerd. They lost to State Sen. Bob Graham and Wayne Mixson. She was elected to the United States Senate representing Florida in 1980, becoming Florida's first woman elected to statewide office. She took office two days early because of the resignation of Richard B. Stone. In 1986, she lost her re-election bid to then Gov. Bob Graham.
She currently lives in Winter Park, Florida.
