James Richard Perry, aka Rick Perry, was born in 1950 and is an American politician. He served as the 14th U.S. Secretary of Energy from 2017 to 2019 and was the 47th Governor of Texas from 2000 to 2015.
Perry ran for Republican president in 2012 and 2016 but withdrew both times.
Born in Texas, he graduated from Texas A&M University, served in the Air Force, and entered politics as a Democrat.
Perry later switched to the Republican Party and held various offices in Texas. Soon, he became the state’s longest-serving governor. In addition, he endorsed Donald Trump in 2016 and served as Secretary of Energy from 2017 to 2019.
Early Life and Family Ties
Rick Perry, a fifth-generation Texan, was born on March 4, 1950, in Haskell, Texas, and spent his early years in Paint Creek.
Raised by dryland cotton farmers Joseph Ray Perry and Amelia June Holt Perry, he had a deep connection to Texas, tracing his family’s roots back to the Thirteen Colonies.
Perry’s father, a Democrat and prominent figure in Haskell County, sparked his interest in politics, notably during a pivotal moment at the funeral of U.S. Representative Sam Rayburn in 1961.
As a youth, Perry was active in the Boy Scouts of America. Moreover, he achieved the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout and received the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award.
His academic journey led him to Texas A&M University, where he immersed himself in campus life. Furthermore, Perry was part of the Corps of Cadets and an Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity member. Then he held roles such as senior class social secretary and yell leader.
Rick Perry: Rural Roots at Texas A&M
Despite considering himself a “free spirit,” Perry successfully graduated in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science degree in animal science.
Reflecting on his college experience in 1989, Perry admitted that he might not have thrived in a less structured environment, stating, “I would have hit the fraternity scene and lasted about one semester” at other universities like Texas Tech or the University of Texas.
This background provides insights into Perry’s early life. Therefore, it blended his rural upbringing, family influence, and formative years at Texas A&M University.
Rick Perry: From Sales to Service
In the early 1970s, James Perry worked summers as a door-to-door book salesman for Southwestern Advantage. Perry considered this experience crucial to his personal growth under Dortch Oldham, the President of Southwestern.
Reflecting in 2010, Perry acknowledged the challenges of facing rejection and learning effective communication skills. After graduating in 1972, he became a U.S. Air Force officer and trained as a pilot.
Perry flew a Lockheed C-130 Hercules, serving at Dyess Air Force Base in Texas with overseas missions in England and Germany.
His humanitarian efforts included drought relief in Africa in 1974 and earthquake relief in Guatemala in 1976. In 1977, Perry left the Air Force as a captain and returned to Texas to farm cotton with his father.
Perry’s Stance for Conservative Budgets in the 1980s
In 1984, James Perry entered the political arena, winning a seat in the Texas House of Representatives as a Democrat for District 64, covering his home county of Haskell.
Serving three terms, he contributed to the House Appropriations and Calendars committees. Perry, a “Pit Bulls” member, advocated for conservative state budgets in the 1980s.
Recognized as one of the legislature’s most effective members by The Dallas Morning News, Perry surprised many by supporting a $5.7 billion tax increase in 1987.
His political transition to the Republican Party occurred in 1989, partly influenced by his admiration for Ronald Reagan.
Perry’s Challenge for Agriculture Commissioner
In a political turning point, James Perry transitioned to the Republican Party and took on Democratic incumbent Jim Hightower for the role of Agriculture Commissioner.
Aided by campaign manager Karl Rove, Perry navigated a primary and runoff. So, he secured victory and reshaped his opponent’s image. With Hightower’s office under FBI scrutiny, Perry’s win in November 1990 reflected a political shift in Texas.
Rove’s strategic fundraising elevated Perry’s profile, making him a household name. As Agriculture Commissioner, Perry championed Texas farm produce sales and monitored weights and measures.
Perry faced obstacles despite supporting healthcare reform in 1993. Furthermore, his 1994 reelection marked another triumph over the Democratic opposition.
Rick Perry: Controversial Fiscal Policies and Criticisms
Taking office on December 21, 2000, after George W. Bush’s resignation, Perry secured the governorship in the 2002 election with 58% of the vote.
He triumphed again in 2006 and 2010, becoming the first Texas governor elected to three four-year terms.
In addition, Perry set a veto record in 2001, rejecting 82 acts. Criticized for his fiscal policies, Perry, a fiscal conservative, faced scrutiny for tax increases and rising state debt.
Perry emphasized Texas’s economic success during his presidential campaign despite these challenges. He touted job growth and opposed a state income tax.
Attempt to Control Medical Malpractice Damages
He prioritized tort reform, restricting damages in medical malpractice cases in 2003, a point he emphasized in his presidential run.
However, this approach failed to address the shortage of physicians or control healthcare costs in Texas.
During Perry’s tenure, Texas had the highest proportion of uninsured residents (26%) and limited access to prenatal care. Therefore, Perry’s anti-abortion stance resulted in restrictive bills. Then, In 2011, he underwent adult stem cell surgery, coinciding with efforts to commercialize Texas’s adult stem cell industry.
Perry’s Leadership in the Energy and Dental Sectors
In February 2015, Perry revealed his move into the corporate sector by joining the boards of Energy Transfer Partners and Sunoco Partners, major players in the U.S. energy industry.
However, as indicated in SEC filings, Perry resigned from both positions by December 31, 2016.
Perry continued his corporate engagement by joining the board of LE GP, the general partner of Energy Transfer, in early January 2020.
Family Ties and Personal Pursuits
In 1982, Perry married his childhood sweetheart, Mary Anita Thigpen. They share two adult children, Griffin and Sydney.
Anita, a West Texas State University nursing graduate, leads health initiatives through the Anita Thigpen Perry Endowment.
Moreover, Perry made cameo appearances in films like Man of the House, Deep in the Heart, and Hating Breitbart. Additionally, he holds membership in the Sons of the American Revolution, receiving the Gold Good Citizenship Medal.
Life Lessons from Rick Perry
Rick Perry’s experiences provide valuable life lessons. He demonstrates adaptability by changing political affiliations and resilience in overcoming early challenges. Perry’s commitment to service and transformation shines through. His fiscal decisions, whether controversial or not, highlight the complexities of leadership. After his political career, Perry’s success in the corporate world illustrates his adaptable leadership skills.
