The Governor of Texas is the chief executive of the state of Texas and is elected by the citizens every four years. The governor has the power to: sign and veto bills passed by the state legislature, serve as commander-in-chief of the state's military forces, convene special sessions of the legislature, grant reprieves and pardons, and fill vacant positions via appointment. Additionally, the governor is responsible for delivering the "State of the State" address and an annual state budget report and budget recommendation.
The 47th and current governor is Rick Perry, a Republican. He assumed office in December 2000 when then-Governor George W. Bush resigned to prepare for his inauguration as President of the United States. Gov. Perry was elected to full terms in 2002, 2006, and 2010.
Perry is the longest-serving governor in Texas history. Having won re-election in 2010, he is positioned to serve 14 years in the job.[1]
His wife, Anita Thigpen, is the First Lady of Texas.
Authority
The Governor's powers, term of office, qualifications, and installation are established by Article 4 of the Texas Constitution.
Article 4, Section 1:
The Executive Department of the State shall consist of a Governor, who shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the State...
Qualifications
Article 4, Section 4 of the Texas Constitution establishes the qualifications of office as such:[2]
He shall be at least thirty years of age, a citizen of the United States, and shall have resided in this State at least five years immediately preceding his election.
Additionally, the Governor:
...shall not hold any other office: civil, military or corporate; nor shall he practice any profession, and receive compensation, reward, fee, or the promise thereof for the same; nor receive any salary, reward or compensation or the promise thereof from any person or corporation, for any service rendered or performed during the time he is Governor, or to be thereafter rendered or performed.
Elections
Texas elects governors in the midterm elections, that is, even years that are not Presidential election years. For Texas 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2018 are all gubernatorial election years. Legally, the gubernatorial inauguration is always set for the "on the first Tuesday after the organization of the Legislature, or as soon thereafter as practicable".
If two candidates tie for the most votes or if an election is contested, a joint session of the legislature shall cast ballots to resolve the issue.
Article 4, Section 16 of the Texas Constitution defines the method by which a vacancy of the Governor's office is filled:
(c) In the case of the temporary inability or temporary disqualification of the Governor to serve, the impeachment of the Governor, or the absence of the Governor from the State, the Lieutenant Governor shall exercise the powers and authority appertaining to the office of Governor until the Governor becomes able or qualified to resume serving, is acquitted, or returns to the State.
(d) If the Governor refuses to serve or becomes permanently unable to serve, or if the office of Governor becomes vacant, the Lieutenant Governor becomes Governor for the remainder of the term being served by the Governor who refused or became unable to serve or vacated the office. On becoming Governor, the person vacates the office of Lieutenant Governor, and the resulting vacancy in the office of Lieutenant Governor shall be filled in the manner provided by Section 9, Article III, of this Constitution.
Duties
The constitutional and statutory duties of the Governor include:
Signing or vetoing bills passed by the Legislature.
Serving as commander-in-chief of the state's military forces.
Convening special sessions of the Legislature for specific purposes.
Delivering a report on the condition of the state to the Legislature at the beginning of each regular session.
Estimating of the amounts of money required to be raised by taxation.
Accounting for all public monies received and paid out by him and recommending a budget for the next two years.
Granting reprieves and commutations of punishment and pardons upon the recommendation of the Board of Pardons and *Paroles and revoking conditional pardons.
Declaring special elections to fill vacancies in certain elected offices.
Appointing qualified Texans to state offices that carry out the laws and direct the policies of state government. Some *of these offices are filled by appointment only. Others are ordinarily elected by the people, but the governor must occasionally appoint individuals to fill vacancies. The governor also appoints Texans to a wide range of advisory bodies and task forces that assist him with specific issues."[3]
Divisions
The Office of the Governor consists of a number councils, committees, and divisions comprised of leaders and experts from diverse backgrounds who provide technical assistance to the Governor across of range of policy areas. They provide research, advice, and organizational leadership to the Governor in support of a "vision for a better, more prosperous Texas."[4] The Office of the Governor is currently comprised as follows:
Advisory Council on Physical Fitness
The Advisory Council on Physical Fitness was created by Governor Rick Perry "to take the lead on improving the state’s overall fitness through sports, health and nutrition education, and exercise."[5]
Contact Advisory Council
Governor’s Advisor: Terry Zrubek
Phone: (512) 463-1778
Department Mailing Address: P.O. Box 12428, Austin, Texas 78711
Department Physical Address: 1100 San Jacinto Blvd., Austin, TX 78701
Phone/FAX: (512) 463-1778 / (512) 463-1975
Appointments Office
The Appointment Office is a team devoted to assisting the Governor in identifying, recruiting, and hiring talented individuals for the many positions that must be filled in a gubernatorial term.
Appointment is an executive power under which the Governor selects individuals to head state government bodies, councils, and bureaucracies. Appointment power is granted to the governor by the Texas Constitution. '"Article 4, Section 12" states: "All vacancies in State or district offices, except members of the Legislature, shall be filled unless otherwise provided by law by appointment of the Governor."[2] The appointment of officials is one of the most influential methods by which the Governor executes the policies enacted by the legislature. Approximately 3,000 appointments will be made during a four-year term.[6]
Contact Appointments
Phone: (512) 463-1828
Fax: (512) 475-2576
Address:1100 San Jacinto, Austin, Texas 78701
Governor's Standard
Budget, Planning, and Policy
"The Budget, Planning and Policy Division advises the Governor regarding state fiscal matters in support of his statutory role as Texas' Chief budget officer. The division also:
Prepares the Governor's biennial budget recommendations to the Legislature.
Monitors state appropriations and operations.
Analyzes fiscal and economic issues.
Performs other duties determined by the Governor."[7]
Address:1100 San Jacinto, Austin, Texas 78701
Department Physical Address: 1100 San Jacinto Blvd., Austin, TX 78701
FAX: (512) 463-1975
Commission for Women
Texas First Lady Anita Perry on the Governor's Commission for Women
The Governor's Commission for Women specializes in research, education, referral services, and outreach in support of helping "Texas women live healthier, more productive and more prosperous lives."[8]
Contact Women's Commission
Toll-Free: (800) 839-5323
Phone: (512) 475-2615
Fax: (512) 463-1832
Email: women@governor.state.tx.us
Address:1100 San Jacinto, Austin, Texas 78701
Committee on People with Disabilities
The mission of the Committee on People with Disabilities is "to further opportunities for persons with disabilities to enjoy full and equal access to lives of independence, productivity, and self-determination."[9]
The Committee advises the Governor on policies and programs in areas that affect the lives of the disabled, while also promoting awareness of and compliance with disability laws in Texas. Areas of focus include: accessibility, communication, education, emergency preparedness, health, housing, recreation, transportation, veterans and workforce.[10]
Contact Disabilities
Phone: Phone: (512) 463-5739
Email: GCPD@governor.state.tx.us
Address: 1100 San Jacinto, Austin, Texas 78701
For relay services dial 711 or your relay provider of choice
Fax: (512) 463-5745
Constituent Communication
Constituent Communication is the Texas citizenry's connection to the Governor. The division reviews and responds to letters, emails, phone calls, and faxes from constituents.
Gregory S. Davidson, Constituent Communication Division Director and Executive Clerk to the Governor
Phone: 512.463.1800
Phone/FAX: (512)463-0039
Division Mailing Address: P.O. Box 12428, Capitol Station, Austin, Texas, 78711
Division Physical Address: State Insurance Building
Criminal Justice Division
The mission of the Criminal Justice Division is "to create and support programs that protect people from crime, reduce the number of crimes committed, and to promote accountability, efficiency, and effectiveness within the criminal justice system."[11]
The division administers various forms of state and federal grant funding that adhere to the following two goals: "1) encourage innovative solutions and 2) provide for local control."[11] Further, the CJD assists and advises the governor across a range of programs and policy areas within the Texas criminal justice system - ranging from coordinating state and local efforts to measuring the performance of community-based programs to evaluating juvenile justice procedures and programs.[11]
Division Physical Address: State Insurance Building
Economic Development and Tourism
The Economic Development and Tourism division operates a range of programs and activities aimed at promoting the state of Texas in the national and international spheres as a place for business development and location, as well a premiere travel location. The division is comprised of the following focus areas:
Email: Rebeca.White@Governor.state.tx.us
Department Mailing Address: P. O. Box 12878, Austin, TX 78711-2878
Department Physical Address: 1100 San Jacinto, Insurance Building, 3rd Floor
Phone: 512-463-1776
Fax: 512-463-4114
General Counsel
The Office of General Counsel "provides legal advice to the Governor and his team, handling the broad range of issues encountered in leading the second largest state in the nation."[13]
Contact Office of General Counsel
Department Mailing Address: Office of the General Counsel, P.O. Box 12428, Austin, TX 78711
Phone: 512.463.2000
Fax: 512.463.1932
Homeland Security
Established in 2003, the Governor's Office of Homeland Security's mission is " to protect Texans, as well as the State’s critical infrastructure and key resources, from all threats."[14] The Office accomplishes this mission by assisting the state in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from natural and manmade disasters.
The Press Office serves as the conduit of communication between the Governor and the press. The Office conveys the Governor's perspectives on policy matters, current events, and pressing issues to journalists and reporters as a primary method of communicating with the people of Texas.[15]
Contact Press Office
Department Mailing Address: P.O. Box 12428, Austin, Texas 78711
Department Physical Address: 1100 Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas 78701
Phone: 512.463.1826
Fax: 512.463.1847
Scheduling and Advance
Scheduling and Advance is "responsible for responding to requests for the Governor’s time in an efficient and courteous manner, as well as organizing the logistics of the governor’s attendance at local, state, national and international events. This office creates a clear, concise schedule for the governor on a daily basis."[16]
Contact Scheduling and Advance
Department Mailing Address: P.O. Box 12428 Austin, Texas 7871
Phone: 512.463.7210
Fax: 512.475.2349
Email: Invite@governor.state.tx.us
State Grants Team
The State Grants Team provides technical assistance to all levels of Texas government, as well as non-profit organizations, in order to maximize access to federal funds. The Team also manages the Texas Review and Comment System (TRACS) and the administration of the Uniform Grants Management Standards.[17]
Contact State Grants Team
Phone: (512) 463-8465
Fax: (512) 936-2681
Address:1100 San Jacinto
Austin, Texas 78701
Texas Criminal Justice Statistical Analysis Center
The mission of the Texas Criminal Justice Statistical Analysis Center is to "collect, analyze and report statewide criminal justice statistics; evaluate the effectiveness of state-funded initiatives; and disseminate analysis results to practitioners, policy-makers, researchers, and the public in order to enhance the quality of criminal justice and crime prevention at all levels of government."[18]
Contact Texas Criminal Justice Statistical Analysis Center
Phone: (512) 463-2000
Fax: (512) 475-3155
Address: P.O. Box 12428, Austin, Texas 78711
Texas Film Commission
The Texas Film Commission was created in 1979 to ""encourage the orderly development of the film, television, and multi-media production industry in Texas in order to utilize the state's vast array of natural, human, and economic resources which are uniquely suitable for that industry."[19]
Contact Texas Film Commission
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 13246, Austin, TX 78711
Phone: (512) 463-9200
Fax: (512) 463-4114
Email:film@governor.state.tx.us
Texas Health Care Policy Council
The mission of the Texas Health Care Policy Council is to "research, analyze, and provide recommendations on ways to improve the quality, safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of the health care system in Texas."[20] The Council furthers this mission by conducting research into efective health care solutions, ensuring collaboration amongst state and local health care providers, assisting communities in assessing their heath care needs, and assisting the Governor with various health care related issues as they arise.
Contact THCPC
Phone: (512) 463-1778
Fax: (512) 463-1975
Address:P.O. Box 12428, Austin, Texas 78711
Texas Music Office
The mission of the Texas Music Office is to serve "as the information clearinghouse and promotion office for the Texas music industry."[21]
Physical address: State Insurance Building, Suite 3.418, 1100 San Jacinto Blvd., Austin, Texas 78701
Phone: 512.463.6666
Fax: 512.463.4114
Texas Workforce Investment Council
The mission of the Texas Workforce Investment Council is to assist "the Governor and the Legislature with strategic planning for and evaluation of the Texas workforce development system, which is comprised of eight state agencies and 25 diverse and dynamic programs. The Council’s strategic priority is to promote the linkage of education, workforce and economic development in order to leverage resources, increase collaboration among state and local partners, and build the pipeline of skilled workers that Texas must have to prosper in the 21st century."[22]
Article 4, Section 5 of the Texas Constitution defines the method by which the Governor's compensation is set:
The Governor shall, at stated times, receive as compensation for his services an annual salary in an amount to be fixed by the Legislature, and shall have the use and occupation of the Governor's Mansion, fixtures and furniture.
From 1846-2000, the state of Texas has had 47 governors. Of the 47 governors, 39 were Democratic, 6 were Republican, 1 was an Independent and 1 was a Unionist.[25]
Click "show" for Texas former governors from 1846-2000.
#
Name
Took office
Left office
Party
1
James Pinckney Henderson
February 19, 1846
December 21, 1847
Democratic
2
George T. Wood
December 21, 1847
December 21, 1849
Democratic
3
Peter Hansborough Bell
December 21, 1849
November 23, 1853
Democratic
4
James W. Henderson
November 23, 1853
December 21, 1853
Democratic
5
Elisha M. Pease
December 21, 1853
December 21, 1857
Unionist
6
Hardin R. Runnels
December 21, 1857
December 21, 1859
Democratic
7
Sam Houston
December 21, 1859
March 18, 1861
Independent
8
Edward Clark
March 18, 1861
November 7, 1861
Democratic
9
Francis R. Lubbock
November 7, 1861
November 5, 1863
Democratic
10
Pendleton Murrah
November 5, 1863
June 17, 1865
Democratic
11
Andrew J. Hamilton
June 17, 1865
August 9, 1866
Democratic-Military
12
James W. Throckmorton
August 9, 1866
August 8, 1867
Democratic
13
Elisha M. Pease
June 8, 1867
September 30, 1869
Republican
14
Edmund J. Davis
January 8, 1870
January 15, 1874
Republican
15
Richard Coke
January 15, 1874
December 21, 1876
Democratic
16
Richard B. Hubbard
December 21, 1876
January 21, 1879
Democratic
17
Oran M. Roberts
January 21, 1879
January 16, 1883
Democratic
18
John Ireland
January 16, 1883
January 20, 1887
Democratic
19
Lawrence Sullivan Ross
January 18, 1887
January 20, 1891
Democratic
20
James Stephen Hogg
January 20, 1891
January 15, 1895
Democratic
21
Charles A. Culberson
January 15, 1895
January 17, 1899
Democratic
22
Joseph D. Sayers
January 17, 1899
January 20, 1903
Democratic
23
S. W. T. Lanham
January 20, 1903
January 15, 1907
Democratic
24
Thomas Mitchell Campbell
January 15, 1907
January 17, 1911
Democratic
25
Oscar Branch Colquitt
January 17, 1911
January 19, 1915
Democratic
26
James E. "Pa" Ferguson
January 19, 1915
August 25, 1917
Democratic
27
William P. Hobby
August 25, 1917
January 18, 1921
Democratic
28
Pat Morris Neff
January 18, 1921
January 20, 1925
Democratic
29
Miriam A. "Ma" Ferguson
January 20, 1925
January 17, 1927
Democratic
30
Dan Moody
January 17, 1927
January 20, 1931
Democratic
31
Ross S. Sterling
January 20, 1931
January 17, 1933
Democratic
32
Miriam A. "Ma" Ferguson
January 17, 1933
January 15, 1935
Democratic
33
James V. Allred
January 15, 1935
January 17, 1939
Democratic
34
W. Lee O'Daniel
January 17, 1939
August 4, 1941
Democratic
35
Coke R. Stevenson
August 4, 1941
January 21, 1947
Democratic
36
Beauford H. Jester
January 21, 1947
July 11, 1949
Democratic
37
Allan Shivers
July 11, 1949
January 15, 1957
Democratic
38
Price Daniel
January 15, 1957
January 15, 1963
Democratic
39
John Connally
January 15, 1963
January 21, 1969
Democratic
40
Preston Smith
January 21, 1969
January 16, 1973
Democratic
41
Dolph Briscoe
January 16, 1973
January 16, 1979
Democratic
42
Bill Clements
January 16, 1979
January 18, 1983
Republican
43
Mark White
January 18, 1983
January 20, 1987
Democratic
44
Bill Clements
January 20, 1987
January 15, 1991
Republican
45
Ann Richards
January 15, 1991
January 17, 1995
Democratic
46
George W. Bush
January 17, 1995
December 21, 2000
Republican
47
Rick Perry
December 21, 2000
Incumbent
Republican
Contact information
Physical Address:
Office of the Governor
State Insurance Building
1100 San Jacinto
Austin, Texas 78701
Mailing Address:
Office of the Governor
P.O. Box 12428
Austin, Texas 78711-2428
