Governor of Texas

Texas Governor

General information
Office Type: | Partisan
Office website: | Official Link
Compensation: | $153,750
2022 FY Budget: | $11,808,830
Term limits: | None
Structure
Length of term: |  4 years
Authority: | Texas Constitution, Article 4, Section 1
Selection Method: | Elected
Current Officeholder

Governor of Texas Greg Abbott
Republican Party
Assumed office: 2015

Elections
Next election: | November 8, 2022
Last election: | November 6, 2018
Other Texas Executive Offices
Governor • Lieutenant Governor • Secretary of State • Attorney General • Comptroller • Auditor • Education Commissioner • Agriculture Commissioner • Insurance Commissioner • Land Commissioner • Workforce Commission • Public Utility Commission • Railroad Commission
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.

Texas has a Republican trifecta. The Republican Party controls the office of governor and both chambers of the state legislature.

Texas has a Republican triplex. The Republican Party controls the offices of governor, secretary of state, and attorney general.

See also: Texas State Legislature, Texas House of Representatives, Texas State Senate

## Contents

* 1 Current officeholder
* 2 Authority
* 3 Qualifications
* 4 Elections
* 4.1 Term limits
* 4.2 Partisan composition
* 4.3 2018
* 4.4 Full history
* 4.4.1 2014
* 5 Vacancies
* 6 Duties
* 7 Divisions
* 7.1 Appointments Office
* 7.2 Budget and Policy
* 7.3 Child Sex Trafficking Team
* 7.4 Commission for Women
* 7.5 Committee on People with Disabilities
* 7.6 Constituent Communication
* 7.7 Criminal Justice Division
* 7.8 Economic Development
* 7.9 Financial Services
* 7.10 General Counsel
* 7.11 Homeland Security
* 7.12 Human Resources
* 7.13 Press Office
* 7.14 Scheduling and Advance
* 7.15 Texas Film Commission
* 7.16 Texas Healthcare Policy Council
* 7.17 Texas Music Office
* 7.18 Texas Workforce Investment Council
* 8 State budget
* 8.1 Role in state budget
* 8.2 Governor's office budget
* 9 Compensation
* 9.1 2020
* 9.2 2019
* 9.3 2018
* 9.4 2017
* 9.5 2016
* 9.6 2015
* 9.7 2014
* 9.8 2013
* 9.9 2010
* 10 Historical officeholders
* 11 History
* 11.1 Partisan balance 1992-2013
* 11.1.1 SQLI and partisanship
* 12 Recent news
* 13 Contact information
* 14 See also
* 15 External links
* 16 Footnotes

## Current officeholder[edit]

The 48th and current governor is Greg Abbott (R). He assumed office on January 20, 2015, succeeding Rick Perry (R). Perry was the longest-serving governor in state history with a tenure lasting from 2000 to 2015. Abbott previously served as the Attorney General of Texas from 2002 to 2015.[1]

## Authority[edit]

The Governor's powers, term of office, qualifications, and installation are established by  Article 4 of the Texas Constitution.[2]

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[edit]

Article 4, Section 4 of the Texas Constitution establishes the qualifications of office as such:[3]

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.[4]

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.[4]

## Elections[edit]

Texas elects governors in the midterm elections, that is, even years that are not presidential election years. For Texas 2018, 2022, 2026, 2030 and 2034 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.[3]

### Term limits[edit]

See also: States with gubernatorial term limits

Texas governors do not face any term limits.[3]

### Partisan composition[edit]

The chart below shows the partisan composition of the Office of the Governor of Texas from 1992 to 2013.

### 2018[edit]

See also: Texas gubernatorial election, 2018

General election

##### General election for Governor of Texas

Incumbent Greg Abbott defeated Lupe Valdez and Mark Tippetts in the general election for Governor of Texas on November 6, 2018.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

✔ |

| Greg Abbott (R)  |

55.8

| 4,656,196

| Lupe Valdez (D)  |

42.5

| 3,546,615

| Mark Tippetts (L)  |

1.7

| 140,632

* * *

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

| Total votes: 8,343,443

|
|

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary runoff election

#####  Democratic primary runoff for Governor of Texas

Lupe Valdez defeated Andrew White in the Democratic primary runoff for Governor of Texas on May 22, 2018.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

✔ |

| Lupe Valdez |

53.0

| 224,091

| Andrew White |

47.0

| 198,407

* * *

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified.

| Total votes: 422,498

|
|

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

#####  Democratic primary for Governor of Texas

The following candidates ran in the Democratic primary for Governor of Texas on March 6, 2018.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

✔ |

| Lupe Valdez |

42.9

| 435,484
✔ |

| Andrew White |

27.4

| 278,333

| Cedric Davis |

8.3

| 83,817

| Grady Yarbrough |

5.4

| 54,372

| Jeffrey Payne |

4.8

| 48,269

| Adrian Ocegueda |

4.4

| 44,681

| Thomas Wakely |

3.4

| 34,737

| James Clark |

2.2

| 21,871

| Joe Mumbach |

1.4

| 13,878

* * *

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

| Total votes: 1,015,442

|
|

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

#####  Republican primary for Governor of Texas

Incumbent Greg Abbott defeated Barbara Krueger and Larry SECEDE Kilgore in the Republican primary for Governor of Texas on March 6, 2018.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

✔ |

| Greg Abbott |

90.4

| 1,389,562

| Barbara Krueger |

8.3

| 127,134

| Larry SECEDE Kilgore |

1.3

| 20,384

* * *

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

| Total votes: 1,537,080

|
|

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

#### Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

* Janis Richards (G)

### Full history[edit]

#### 2014[edit]

See also: Texas gubernatorial election, 2014

Republican Greg Abbott won election on November 4, 2014.

Governor of Texas, 2014

Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes
| Republican  | Greg Abbott | 59.3% | 2,796,547
| Democratic  |  Wendy Davis | 38.9% | 1,835,596
| Libertarian  |  Kathie Glass | 1.4% | 66,543
| Green  |  Brandon Parmer | 0.4% | 18,520
| Write-in  |  Sarah Pavitt  | 0% | 1,062
Total Votes | 4,718,268
Election results via Texas Secretary of State

To view the electoral history dating back to 2002 for the office of Governor of Texas, Click [show] to expand the section.

|

2010

On November 2, 2010, Rick Perry won re-election to the office of Governor of Texas. He defeated Bill White, Kathie Glass, Deb Shafto and Andy Barron in the general election.

| Governor of Texas, 2010

Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes
| Republican  | Rick Perry Incumbent | 55% | 2,737,481
| Democratic  |  Bill White | 42.3% | 2,106,395
| Libertarian  |  Kathie Glass | 2.2% | 109,211
| Green  |  Deb Shafto | 0.4% | 19,516
| Write-In |  Andy Barron  | 0.1% | 7,267
Total Votes | 4,979,870
Election results via Texas Secretary of State.

2006

On November 7, 2006, Rick Perry won re-election to the office of Governor of Texas. He defeated Chris Bell, James Werner, Richard "Kinky" Friedman, Carole Keeton Strayhorn and James "Patriot" Dillon in the general election.

Governor of Texas, 2006

Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes
| Republican  | Rick Perry Incumbent | 39% | 1,716,792
| Democratic  |  Chris Bell  | 29.8% | 1,310,337
| Libertarian  |  James Werner  | 0.6% | 26,749
| Independent  |  Richard "Kinky" Friedman  | 12.4% | 547,674
| Independent  |  Carole Keeton Strayhorn  | 18.1% | 796,851
| Write-In |  James "Patriot" Dillon  | 0% | 713
Total Votes | 4,399,116
Election results via Texas Secretary of State.

2002

On November 5, 2002, Rick Perry won re-election to the office of Governor of Texas. He defeated Tony Sanchez, Jeff Daiell, Rahul Mahajan, Elaine Eure Henderson and Earl W. (Bill) O'Neil in the general election.

Governor of Texas, 2002

Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes
| Republican  | Rick Perry Incumbent | 57.8% | 2,632,591
| Democratic  |  Tony Sanchez  | 40% | 1,819,798
| Libertarian  |  Jeff Daiell  | 1.5% | 66,720
| Green  |  Rahul Mahajan  | 0.7% | 32,187
| Write-In |  Elaine Eure Henderson  | 0% | 1,715
| Write-In |  Earl W. (Bill) O'Neil  | 0% | 976
Total Votes | 4,553,987
Election results via Texas Secretary of State.

## Vacancies[edit]

See also: How gubernatorial vacancies are filled

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[edit]

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."[5]

## Divisions[edit]

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."[6] The Office of the Governor is comprised as follows:

### Appointments Office[edit]

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."[3] 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.[7]
Contact Appointments|

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Phone: (512) 463-1828

Fax: (512) 475-2576

Address:1100 San Jacinto, Austin, Texas 78701

Governor's Standard

### Budget and Policy[edit]

"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."[8]

* Governor Rick Perry's Proposed Budget for FY2010-2011

Contact BPP|

|

Phone: (512) 463-1778

Address:1100 San Jacinto, Austin, Texas 78701
Department Physical Address: 1100 San Jacinto Blvd., Austin, TX 78701

FAX: (512) 463-1975

### Child Sex Trafficking Team[edit]

The Child Sex Trafficking Team (CSTT) helps to end human trafficking and promote policies to end the exploitation of children and help victims of sexual trafficking recover.[9]
Contact CSTT|

|

Phone: 1-888-373-7888

Address:1100 San Jacinto, Austin, Texas 78701

Department Physical Address: 1100 San Jacinto Blvd., Austin, TX 78701

### Commission for Women[edit]

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."[10]
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[edit]

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."[11]

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.[11]
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[edit]

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.
Contact The Governor's Office|

|

Contact Us

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[edit]

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."[12]

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."[12] 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.[12]
Contact Criminal Justice Division|

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Phone: (512) 463-1919

Fax: (512) 475-2440
Address:1100 San Jacinto, Austin, Texas 78701 Division Mailing Address: P.O. Box 12428, Capitol Station, Austin, Texas, 78711

Division Physical Address: State Insurance Building

### Economic Development[edit]

The Economic Development 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 as a premiere travel location. The division is composed of the following focus areas:

* Texas Business Development
* The Office of Aerospace and Aviation
* The Economic Development Bank
* Small Business Assistance
* Texas Tourism
* Texas Military Preparedness Division

Contact Economic Development and Tourism Division|

|

Phone: 512-936-0100

Email: locatetx@governor.state.tx.us
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 12428, Austin, Texas 78711-2428

Fax: 512-936-0080

### Financial Services[edit]

The mission of Financial Services is to ensure "that all financial transactions in the governor’s office set the highest standard for the state."[13]

* FY2009 Annual Financial Report
* FY2010 Operating Budget
* FY2012-13 Legislative Appropriation Request

Contact Financial Services|

|

Chief Financial Officer: Rebeca Temple White, CPA

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[edit]

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."[14]
Contact Office of General Counsel|

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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[edit]

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."[15] The Office accomplishes this mission by assisting the state in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from natural and manmade disasters.
Contact Homeland Security|

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Phone: (512) 475-0645

Fax: (512) 475-0876

Address:1100 San Jacinto, Austin, Texas 78701

### Human Resources[edit]

The Human Resources Division handles all hiring and personnel issues for positions within the Office of the Governor. Human Resources also manages the Texas Governor's Fellowship Program.
Contact HR|

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Phone:(512)463-5873

Email: humanresources@governor.state.tx.us
Fax:(512) 463-8464

Address:1100 San Jacinto, Austin, Texas 78701

### Press Office[edit]

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.[16]
Contact Press Office|

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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[edit]

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."[17]
Contact Scheduling and Advance|

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Department Mailing Address: P.O. Box 12428 Austin, Texas 7871

Phone: 512.463.7210
Fax: 512.475.2349

Email: Invite@governor.state.tx.us

### Texas Film Commission[edit]

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."[18]
Contact Texas Film Commission|

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Mailing Address: P.O. Box 13246, Austin, TX 78711

Phone: (512) 463-9200
Fax: (512) 463-4114

Email:film@governor.state.tx.us

### Texas Healthcare Policy Council[edit]

The mission of the Texas Healthcare 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." 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|

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Phone: (512) 463-1778

Fax: (512) 463-1975

Address:P.O. Box 12428, Austin, Texas 78711

### Texas Music Office[edit]

The mission of the Texas Music Office is to serve "as the information clearinghouse and promotion office for the Texas music industry."[19]
Contact Texas Music Office|

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Mailing address: P.O. Box 13246 Austin, Texas 78711

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[edit]

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 composed 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."[20]

* TWIC FY2009 Annual Report

Contact TWIC|

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Phone:(512) 936-8100

Email: twic@governor.state.tx.us
Fax:(512) 936-8118

Address:1100 San Jacinto, Austin, Texas 78701

## State budget[edit]

### Role in state budget[edit]

See also: Texas state budget and finances

The state operates on a biennial budget cycle. The sequence of key events in the budget process is as follows:[21]

1. Budget instructions are sent to state agencies beginning in June.
2. Agencies submit their budget requests to the governor between July and September.
3. Agency hearings are held between July and October.
4. The governor submits his or her proposed budget to the state legislature by the date of the State of the State address.
5. The legislature typically adopts a budget in May. A simple majority is required to pass a budget. The fiscal year begins in September.

Texas is one of 44 states in which the governor has line item veto authority.[21]

The legislature is constitutionally required to adopt a balanced budget. The governor must sign a balanced budget into law.[21]

### Governor's office budget[edit]

The budget for the Governor's Office in Fiscal Year 2022 was $11,808,830.[22]

## Compensation[edit]

See also: Comparison of gubernatorial salaries and Compensation of state executive officers

See statutes: Texas Statutes Title 6, Chapter 659

The governor, along with the rest of Texas' executive officers, is entitled by Article 4, Section 5 of the Texas Constitution to receive an annual salary, pursuant to Title 6, Section 659.011 of the Texas Statutes. The legislature was empowered to set the salaries of executive branch officers by a 1954 constitutional amendment. Prior to that, the constitution stipulated the salary amounts paid to each officer.[23] The amounts are fixed by the biennial General Appropriations Act.

### 2020[edit]

In 2020, the governor’s salary was increased to $153,750, according to the Council of State Governments.[24]

### 2019[edit]

In 2019, the governor’s salary was increased to $153,750, according to the Council of State Governments.[25]

### 2018[edit]

In 2018, the governor’s salary was increased to $153,750, according to the Council of State Governments.[26]

### 2017[edit]

In 2017, the governor’s salary was increased to $153,750, according to the Council of State Governments.[27]

### 2016[edit]

In 2016, the governor’s salary was increased to $153,750, according to the Council of State Governments.[28]

### 2015[edit]

In 2015, the governor received a salary of $150,000, according to the Council of State Governments.[29]

### 2014[edit]

In 2014, the governor received a salary of $150,000, according to the Council of State Governments.[30]

### 2013[edit]

In 2013, the governor's salary remained at $150,000.[31]

### 2010[edit]

In 2010, the Texas Governor was paid an estimated $150,000 according to the Council of State Governments, the 11th highest gubernatorial salary in America.[32]

## Historical officeholders[edit]

From 1846-present, the state of Texas has had 48 governors. Of the 48 governors, 40 were Democratic, six were Republican, one was an Independent and one was a Unionist.[33]

Click "show" for Texas former governors from 1846 to present.

#  |  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  | January 20, 2015  | Republican
48  | Greg Abbott | January 20, 2015  | Incumbent | Republican

## History[edit]

### Partisan balance 1992-2013[edit]

See also: Ballotpedia:Who Runs the States and Ballotpedia:Who Runs the States, Texas

Partisan breakdown of the Texas governorship from 1992-2013

From 1992-2013, in Texas there were Democratic governors in office for the first three years while there were Republican governors in office for the last 19 years. Texas is one of eight states that were run by a Republican governor for more than 80 percent of the years between 1992-2013. Texas was under Republican trifectas for the last 11 years of the study period.

Across the country, there were 493 years of Democratic governors (44.82%) and 586 years of Republican governors (53.27%) from 1992 to 2013.

Over the course of the 22-year study, state governments became increasingly more partisan. At the outset of the study period (1992), 18 of the 49 states with partisan legislatures had single-party trifectas and 31 states had divided governments. In 2013, only 13 states had divided governments, while single-party trifectas held sway in 36 states, the most in the 22 years studied.

The chart below shows the partisan composition of the Office of the Governor of Texas, the Texas State Senate and the Texas House of Representatives from 1992 to 2013.

#### SQLI and partisanship[edit]

Texas was one of eight states to demonstrate a dramatic partisan shift in the 22 years studied. A dramatic shift was defined by a movement of 40 percent or more toward one party over the course of the study period. Texas started out with Democratic trifectas but shifted to Republican trifectas by the end of the study.

The chart below depicts the partisanship of the Texas state government and the state's SQLI ranking for the years studied. For the SQLI, the states were ranked from 1-50, with 1 being the best and 50 the worst. Prior to Republican trifectas, which started in 2003, the SQLI rating for Texas stayed consistently in the 30s, except for its lowest ranking of 40 in 1994 during a Democratic trifecta. Within a few years of the Republican trifectas that ranking moved up, and Texas finished 11th, its highest ranking, in 2012.

* SQLI average with Democratic trifecta: 36.67
* SQLI average with Republican trifecta: 18.00
* SQLI average with divided government: 33.63

Chart displaying the partisanship of Texas government from 1992-2013 and the State Quality of Life Index (SQLI).

## Recent news[edit]

The link below is to the most recent stories in a Google news search for the terms Texas Governor Abbott. These results are automatically generated from Google. Ballotpedia does not curate or endorse these articles.

Governor of Texas - Google News

## Contact information[edit]

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

Phone: 512-463-2000
Fax: 512-463-1849

## See also[edit]

Texas | State Executive Elections | News and Analysis

|
|

Texas State Executive Offices Texas State Legislature Texas Courts |  2022 • 2021 • 2020 • 2019 • 2018 • 2017 • 2016 Texas elections: 2022 • 2021 • 2020 • 2019 • 2018 • 2017 • 2016 |  Party control of state government State government trifectas State of the state addresses Partisan composition of governors

## External links[edit]

|  Suggest a link

|

* Office of the Texas Governor
* Duties of the Governor of Texas

## Footnotes[edit]

1. ↑ Office of the Texas Governor, "Texas Governor Greg Abbott," accessed January 13, 2021
2. ↑ Texas Constitution and Statutes, "ARTICLE 4. EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT," accessed January 13, 2021
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 The Texas Constitution, "Article 4," accessed January 13, 2021
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Cite error: Invalid `<ref>` tag; no text was provided for refs named `constitution`
5. ↑ Office of the Governor, "Governor's Duties, Requirements & Powers," accessed January 13, 2021
6. ↑ Office of the Governor, "Governor's Office Organization," accessed August 2, 2014
7. ↑ Office of the Governor, "Appointment Responsibility," accessed August 2, 2014
8. ↑ Office of the Governor, "Budget, Planning and Policy," accessed August 2, 2014
9. ↑ Office of the Governor, "Child Sex Trafficking Team," accessed January 13, 2021
10. ↑ Office of the Governor, "Commission for Women," accessed August 2, 2014
11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Office of the Governor, "Committee on People with Disabilities," accessed August 2, 2014
12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 Office of the Governor, "Criminal Justice Division," accessed August 2, 2014
13. ↑ Office of the Governor, "Financial Services," accessed August 2, 2014
14. ↑ Office of the Governor, "General Counsel," accessed August 2, 2014
15. ↑ Office of the Governor, "Homeland Security," accessed August 2, 2014
16. ↑ Office of the Governor, "Press Office," accessed August 2, 2014
17. ↑ Office of the Governor, "Scheduling and Advance," accessed August 2, 2014
18. ↑ Office of the Governor, "Texas Film Commission History," accessed August 2, 2014
19. ↑ Office of the Governor, "Texas Music Commission," accessed August 2, 2014
20. ↑ Office of the Governor, "The Texas Workforce System," accessed August 2, 2014
21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 National Association of State Budget Officers, "Budget Processes in the States, Spring 2015," accessed February 16, 2021
22. ↑ Texas Legislature, "State Budget 2021-2023," accessed September 29, 2021
23. ↑ Texas State Historical Association, "SALARIES OF STATE EXECUTIVE OFFICERS," accessed January 13, 2021
24. ↑ Council of State Governments, "Selected State Administrative Officials: Annual Salaries, 2020," accessed January 13, 2021
25. ↑ Council of State Governments, "Selected State Administrative Officials: Annual Salaries, 2019," accessed January 13, 2021
26. ↑ Council of State Governments, "Selected State Administrative Officials: Annual Salaries, 2018," accessed January 13, 2021
27. ↑ Council of State Governments, "Selected State Administrative Officials: Annual Salaries, 2017," accessed January 13, 2021
28. ↑ Council of State Governments, "Selected State Administrative Officials: Annual Salaries, 2016," accessed August 27, 2016
29. ↑ Council of State Governments, "Selected State Administrative Officials: Annual Salaries, 2015," accessed August 27, 2016
30. ↑ Council of State Governments, "Selected State Administrative Officials: Annual Salaries," accessed December 8, 2014
31. ↑ Council of State Governments, "CSG Releases 2013 Governor Salaries," June 25, 2013
32. ↑ The Council of State Governments, "The Book of States 2010 Table 4.3," accessed April 11, 2011
33. ↑ Texas State Library and Archives Commission, "Chronological List of Texas Governors," January 13, 2021

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