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| Party | Governors |
|---|---|
| Democratic | 39 |
| Republican | 6 |
| Unionist | 1 |
| Independent | 1 |
The following is a list of the Governors of the State of Texas. The governor is the mostly ceremonial head of the executive branch of Texas's government and the commander-in-chief of the state's military forces. The governor has the power to either approve or veto bills passed by the Texas Legislature, and to convene the legislature. The governor may grant pardons in cases other than impeachment, but only when recommended by the Board of Pardons, or in the case of treason, with permission by the legislature.
The state's first constitution in 1845 established the office of governor, to serve for two years, but no more than four years out of every six (essentially a limit of no more than two consecutive terms).1. The 1861 secessionist constitution set the term state date at the first Monday in the November following the election.2 The 1866 constitution, adopted just after the American Civil War, increased terms to four years, but no more than eight years out of every twelve, and moved the start date to the first Thursday after the organization of the legislature, or "as soon thereafter as practicable."3 The Reconstruction constitution of 1869 removed the limit on terms,4 and to this day, Texas is one of 14 states5 with no gubernatorial term limit. The present constitution of 1876 shortened terms back to two years,6 but a 1972 amendment increased it back to four years.citation needed
In case of a vacancy in the office of governor, the lieutenant governor becomes governor.7 This was added only in a 1999 amendment, prior to which the lieutenant governor only acted as governor, except during the time of the 1861 constitution, which said that the lieutenant governor would be "styled Governor of the State of Texas" in case of vacancy.8
Contents |
Governors of Texas
Living former governors
As of June 2008, four former governors were alive, the oldest being Bill Clements (1979–1983, 1987–1991, born 1917). The most recent governor to die was Ann Richards (1991–1995), on September 13, 2006.
| Name | Gubernatorial term | Date of birth |
|---|---|---|
| Dolph Briscoe | 1973–1979 | April 23, 1923 |
| Bill Clements | 1979–1983, 1987–1991 | April 17, 1917 |
| Mark White | 1983–1987 | March 17, 1940 |
| George W. Bush | 1995–2000 | July 6, 1946 |
Gubernatorial Trivia
Background
- Texas has had two female governors:
- Governors have been born in fourteen states:
Elections
- Three governors have served non-consecutive terms:
- For 105 years between 1874 and 1979, no Republican was elected governor.
Texas Governors in Popular Culture
- W. Lee "Pappy" O'Daniel served as the inspiration for the fictional, but similarly named Mississippi Governor Menelaus "Pappy" O'Daniel in the film O Brother, Where Art Thou?.
- Ann Richards had a cameo appearance on an episode of the animated comedy series King of the Hill, in which she has a brief romance with Bill Dauterive after he moons her in the elevator of an Austin hotel.
- George W. Bush was a frequent subject of parody and satire during his time as President of the United States. He was the subject of Oliver Stone's 2008 film W..
See also
- List of Texas Governors and Presidents
- List of Presidents of the Republic of Texas
- List of Lieutenant Governors of Texas
Notes
- ^ 1845 Const. Art V sec 4
- ^ 1861 Const. art V sec 12
- ^ 1866 Const. art V sec 4
- ^ 1869 Const. Art IV sec 4)
- ^ Executive Branch retrieved 23-October-2008
- ^ TX Const. Art IV sec 4
- ^ TX Const. art IV sec 16 graf d
- ^ 1861 Const art V sec 12
- ^ The fractional terms of some governors are not to be absolutely literally; rather, they are meant to show single terms during which multiple governors served, due to resignations, deaths and the like.
- ^ Resigned to take an elected seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.
- ^ a b c As lieutenant governor, filled unexpired term.
- ^ Evicted from office due to his refusal to swear an oath to the Confederate States of America.
- ^ Fled Austin as it fell to [[Union (American Civil War)|]] forces.
- ^ NGA says he was Lt. Gov who served after Murrah fled.
- ^ Provisional military governor
- ^ a b James Throckmorton was removed from office by General Philip Sheridan, and Elisha Pease installed in his place.
- ^ Resigned due to disagreements with General Joseph Reynolds.
- ^ Elected in a special election held under military direction.
- ^ Resigned to take an elected seat in the U.S. Senate.
- ^ Resigned due to the legislature bringing impeachment proceedings against him.
- ^ a b c d As lieutenant governor, filled unexpired term, and was subsequently in their own right.
- ^ Resigned after winning the Democratic primary for a U.S. Senate seat; he won the election.
- ^ Died in office.
- ^ Resigned to be President of the United States.
- ^ Governor Perry's second term expires January 18, 2011; he is not term limited.
References
- General
- Legislative Reference Library of Texas -- Governors of Texas
- Governor (of Texas) from the Handbook of Texas Online
- The Handbook of Texas Online: Texas History Quiz -- Presidents and Governors of Texas
- Explanation of the strengths of governors
- Constitutions
- 1876 Constitution, as amended (Current)
- 1876 Constitution
- 1869 Constitution
- 1866 Constitution
- 1861 Constitution
- 1845 Constitution
- Specific
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