Rick Perry biography, personal life, career, works, net worth

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<h2>Early Life and Education</h2>
<p>Rick Perry was born on March 4, 1950, in Paint Creek, Texas, to ranchers Joseph Ray Perry and Amelia June Holt. His father also served as a Haskell County commissioner, an experience that likely influenced Perry's eventual path into politics. As a youth, Perry demonstrated early leadership by earning the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America.</p>
<p>After graduating from Paint Creek High School, Perry attended Texas A&M University. There, he earned a bachelor's degree in animal science in 1972. Known for his outgoing personality, Perry actively engaged with campus life, often voicing his opinions and playing harmless pranks. Following his college graduation, Perry entered the United States Air Force, completing pilot training and eventually serving as a C-130 aircraft pilot. He left the military with the rank of captain.</h2>

<h2>Early Employment and Career Path</h2>
<p>Before entering the political arena, Rick Perry worked in both blue-collar and white-collar roles. He returned to his roots by working as a cotton farmer, a job that instilled in him a strong work ethic. He also gained experience in sales, a profession that would later serve him well in his political career. Perry has often likened politics to sales, as both require persuasive communication and strategic negotiation.</p>

<h2>Political Beginnings and Party Affiliation</h2>
<p>Perry began his political career as a Democrat, winning a seat in the Texas House of Representatives in 1984. In 1988, he campaigned for then-Democratic presidential <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Gore">candidate</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Gore">Al Gore</a>. However, disillusioned with the Democratic Party's direction, Perry switched to the Republican Party in 1989—a move that would reshape his political trajectory. </p>

<h2>Governor of Texas</h2>
<p>Perry became Texas’s lieutenant governor in 1998. In December 2000, he ascended to the governorship when <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_W._Bush">George W. Bush</a> resigned to assume the U.S. presidency. Perry subsequently won election to the post in 2002 and was re-elected in 2006 and 2010. His tenure as governor lasted until 2015, making him the longest-serving governor in Texas history. During this time, Perry focused on policies promoting limited government, economic growth, and energy reform. His extended leadership reflected deep support from his home state despite mixed public and media scrutiny.</p>

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<h2>Presidential Campaigns and Energy Secretary Role</h2>
<p>Perry made two unsuccessful bids for the U.S. presidency—first in 2012 and again in 2016. His 2012 campaign was hindered by poor debate performances, leading him to withdraw and endorse <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newt_Gingrich">Newt Gingrich</a>. He returned in 2016 with harsh criticisms of <a href="/biography/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, famously calling him "a cancer on conservatism." However, after suspending his campaign, Perry endorsed <a href="/biography/donald-trump">Trump</a>, who later appointed him as Secretary of Energy in 2017. Despite having once pledged to eliminate the Department of Energy during his 2012 run, Perry accepted the cabinet role, serving until December 2019.</p>

<h2>Political Controversies</h2>
<p>In 2014, Perry was indicted in Texas on charges of abuse of power, stemming from his threat to veto funding for the Public Integrity Unit unless <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosemary_Lehmberg">District Attorney</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosemary_Lehmberg">Rosemary Lehmberg</a> resigned after a DUI arrest. Perry defended his decision as a matter of principle, receiving support from prominent Republicans like <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rand_Paul">Rand Paul</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeb_Bush">Jeb Bush</a>. The charges were ultimately dismissed in 2016.</p>
<p>Further controversy emerged during Perry’s tenure as Energy Secretary. A government photographer, Simon Edelman, captured a photograph of Perry embracing <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_E._Murray">Robert Murray</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_E._Murray">CEO</a> of coal company Murray Energy, following a meeting. The meeting sparked concerns due to the <a href="/biography/donald-trump">Trump</a> administration’s subsequent promotion of coal-friendly policies. Edelman alleged retaliation after the photo was published, raising questions about transparency and lobbying influence within the Department of Energy.</p>

<h2>Legacy and Impact</h2>
<p>Rick Perry’s political career spanned over three decades, marked by longevity, resilience, and adaptability. From military service and state leadership to a cabinet position, his journey reflects his ability to navigate and influence both state and national politics. While not without controversy, his tenure left a significant imprint on Texas politics and U.S. energy policy.</p>

<p><em>Reference</em><br />
Rick Perry Biography<br />
<a href="https://www.biography.com/people/rick-perry-20663471">https://www.biography.com/people/rick-perry-20663471</a></p>

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