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Rick Perry

Graduate of Paint Creek High School
Paint Creek, Texas

Rick Perry was sworn in as the state’s 47th governor on December 21, 2000, when George W. Bush resigned to take the office of U.S. president.

As lieutenant governor, Perry worked with legislators of both parties to pass a balanced state budget. He earned high marks as the president of the Senate for his bipartisan leadership. The Dallas Morning News wrote, “. . . Rick Perry stands out as one of the session’s brighter lights. He draws almost universal praise for besting expectations and for evenly running the Senate.” Prior to being elected lieutenant governor, Perry served two terms as Texas Commissioner of Agriculture. From 1985-91, Perry served in the Texas House of Representatives.

Perry is a 1972 graduate of Texas A&M University, where he was a member of the Corps of Cadets, a junior and senior yell leader, and an animal science major. From 1972-77, Perry served in the U.S. Air Force, flying C-130 tactical airlift aircraft in the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East.