Rick Perry is an American Republican politician who currently serves in the administration of President Donald Trump as the United States Secretary of Energy. Perry is no newcomer to the halls of power, as he served as a three-term governor of Texas, holding the record for longest-serving Texas governor (3 terms in 14 years). To be where he is today, you will agree that the gentleman distinguished himself in so many ways and repeatedly proved his worth to the American people. Learn about the Texas politician who is working hard to make America great.
Rick Perry Biography
Rick Perry, whose full name is James RichardPerry was born on March 4, 1950 in Haskell, Texas but grew up in Paint Creek, Texas. Her parents are Joseph Ray Perry and Amelia June Holt Perry, both dryland cotton farmers.
As a young boy, Perry was a member of the Boy Scouts and grew to achieve the highest rank of Eagle Scout. For his education, he studied at Paint Creek High School in 1968 and graduated before entering Texas A&M University, where he studied animal science and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1972.
While still in college, Rick Perry joined the cadet corps and became a United States Air Force officer upon graduation. Two years later, he completed his pilot training and flew the C-130 Tactical Airlift with the 772nd Tactical Airlift Squadron at Dyess Air Force Base, Abilene, Texas until 1977. During this time he served overseas in the 1974 US State Department. earthquake in Guatemala and drought relief effort in Mali, Mauritania and Chad. He left the Air Force as a captain in 1977, after which he returned to Texas and joined his family cotton business.
Rick Perry first entered the halls of power in 1984 as a member of the Democratic Party in the Texas House of Representatives. He served as a Representative from January 8, 1985, until January 8, 1991, before beginning his term as Agriculture Commissioner on January 15, 1991. Around the same time, he left the Democratic Party to become a Republican.
His tenure as Commissioner was followed by his emergence as Lieutenant Governor of Texas (January 19, 1999 – December 21, 2000), making him the first Republican Lieutenant Governor of Texas since Reconstruction. He then became the 47th Governor of Texas on December 21, 2000, following the resignation of then-Governor George W. Bush to become America’s President.
Perry’s time as governor ended on January 20, 2015, after which Greg Abbott succeeded him. The following year, he was appointed by President Donald Trump to serve as Secretary of the United States Department of Energy. He has since been a member of Trump’s Cabinet and is 15th in the presidential succession.
7 interesting facts you need to know
1. Political views
As a Republican, Perry’s political views are no different from that of his fellow Grand Old Party (GOP) members. When it comes to burning issues in the United States, he sides with his party, including his anti-gay views. He praised the Boys Scout for its ban on homosexuality and called on the American people to emulate the Boy Scout’s ideals.
On the border wall, the Texas Tribune once wroteIn 2016, the former governor criticized him. However, after Donald Trump emerged as the Republican presidential candidate, he embraced the idea.
2. Controversial appointment
Upon his appointment as Secretary of the Department of Energy, Perry was heavily criticized for his appointment. Indeed, during his 2016 presidential campaign, he hinted slightly that if elected president, he would abolish the same department for which he was nominated. Nevertheless, he went through the nomination process to take office.
3. Career outside politics
Although Rick Perry is best known for serving and/or holding one political office or another, the Texan gentleman has, at different times, done things outside of state affairs.
Beginning in February 2015, he served on the board of directors of the largest energy transmission company in the United States, Energy Transfer Partners, as well as Sunoco Partners, another energy transmission company.
4. Designated Survivor
In the 2019 State of the Union held on February 5, 2019, Rick Perry was the “Designated Survivor” who remained at an unknown, but physically distant, but secure location when the President, his Vice- president and other officials were all gathered in one place for the annual address. He is the fifth Energy Secretary to hold this position.
5. Net worth
Although Rick Perry is not among the wealthiest in Trump’s cabinet, he is quite wealthy. According to Forbes, after stepping down as Governor of Texas, he earned more than $100,000 speaking and about $250,000 consulting as a heavy equipment dealer and Caterpillar. Through all of these sources of income, Perry has amassed a net worth of $2 million.
6. family life
Mary Anita Thigpen and Rick Perry first knew each other when they were in elementary school. The two men started their friendship from that moment and today they are husband and wife. They married in 1982 and have two adult children. Griffin Perry (son) and Sydney Perry (daughter).
7. Shout out the chef
During her years at Texas A&M University, Perry was an Aggie Yell cheerleader and leader. As tradition dictates, he dresses in white to get the school supporters to cheer on their team.