Gov. Rick Perry – the longest serving governor in Texas history – has announced he will not seek reelection to a fourth term.
After first being elected to the Texas House in 1984 (as a Democrat), Perry ascended to Lieutenant Governor, and then moved up when George W. Bush left for the White House in December 2000.
It’s expected that Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott will run for the office. And the announcement will likely set off a domino effect among Texas politicos jockeying for higher office.
Read below for KUT News' coverage of Gov. Perry's announcement as it happened in real time. (Initial entires have since been edited for clarity.)
Update: Any Future Announcements 'In Due Time'
"Any future considerations I will announce in due time," Perry said. "My focus will remain on Texas. Public service is a sacred trust and I’m grateful for the privilege that Texans have allowed me."
That focus includes this special session and more, if necessary. In a nod to the current legislative debate over abortion restrictions, Perry said "Texas will remain pro-life."
Update: "I Will Not Seek Reelection"
Citing both the book of Ecclesiastes, and the wisdom of Darrell K Royal ("Dance with the one that brung ya"), Perry says "the time has come to pass on the mantle of leadership. "I will not seek reelection," he says.
Update: Perry Plugs Texas Economy
Perry says he's most proud of creating 1.6 million jobs in his tenure as governor; he says thirty percent of net job creation in the United States has been in Texas.
Perry touts his Texas Enterprise Fund, saying it "has planted seed capital for entrepreneurs and innovators" who are changing the world.
Perry touts Texas' status as the top economy in America, underscored by his choice of the Caterpillar dealership as the location of his announcement.
After an introduction from Texas First Lady Anita Perry, Gov. Rick Perry has begun his speech.
Original Post: Gov. Rick Perry will soon announce his “exciting future plans” for public life, at an event San Antonio.
There’s plenty of speculation regarding what Gov. Perry could do:
- There’s chatter that Perry could announce plans to depart the Governor’s Mansion to join a think tank;
- Others speculate that he will announce plans with a political action committee for a potential 2016 presidential bid;
- Some have speculated that Perry could launch another campaign for governor of Texas, or;
- Who knows? Perry has a long history of surprising the press.
The announcement should be made shortly after 1 p.m. in San Antonio, at the country's largest Caterpillar equipment dealership. KUT News will have more updates as the story continues. You can watch the event live on the Office of the Governor's website.
