McBride hit the campaign trail with his wife, former Florida CEO Alex Sink, in 2010.TAMPA (FOX 13) -
A former Florida gubernatorial candidate has died.
Bill McBride, a Democrat who ran against and lost to Jeb Bush in 2002, passed away Saturday night while in the company of his family in Mount Airy, North Carolina.
The 67-year-old attorney suffered a heart attack.
"Bill McBride was larger than life. He was one of the great business, legal and political leaders of Florida," said Senator Bill Nelson in a statement. "He is a friend that many of us will miss."
McBride's wife is Alex Sink, the state's former Chief Financial Officer. She too ran for the Sunshine State's highest office, losing by 1% to Rick Scott in 2010.
The couple was married in 1987 and had two children – Bert and Lexi.
McBride was born in Illinois but grew up in Leesburg, Florida where he attended Leesburg High. He graduated from the University of Florida in 1967 and joined the Marines after graduation.
He is a member of UF's Hall of Fame. During his stint with the Marine Corps, McBride earned a Bronze Star. He earned his law degree at UF's law school.
After losing the race for Governor, McBride returned to law and has worked for a Tampa-based law firm since 2003.
