Challenges in the Life of Rick Perry in a Detailed Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 10, 2025

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Rick Perry. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

James Richard "Rick" Perry is an American politician notable for serving as the 14th United States Secretary of Energy (2017-2019) under President Donald Trump. Prior to this federal role, he was the 47th Governor of Texas, holding office from 2000 to 2015, making him the longest-serving governor in Texas history. Perry also sought the Republican nomination for President of the United States in both 2012 and 2016, though he was ultimately unsuccessful in securing the nomination.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

February 2007: Executive order mandating HPV vaccine

In February 2007, Rick Perry issued an executive order mandating that Texas girls receive the HPV vaccine, which protects against some strains of the human papilloma virus. News outlets reported financial connections between Perry and Merck, the vaccine's manufacturer.

May 2007: Texas Legislature undoes HPV vaccine order

In May 2007, the Texas Legislature passed a bill undoing Perry's executive order mandating the HPV vaccine. Perry did not veto the bill, blaming lawmakers for future cervical cancer deaths in Texas.

January 3, 2012: Fifth-place finish in Iowa caucuses

After finishing fifth with just over 10% of the vote in the Iowa caucuses on January 3, 2012, Rick Perry considered dropping out of the presidential race but did not.

January 2012: Withdrew from Presidential Race

In January 2012, Rick Perry withdrew from the race for the Republican nomination for president.

January 19, 2012: Suspension of 2012 presidential campaign

After a poor showing in New Hampshire and with "lagging" poll numbers in South Carolina, Rick Perry formally announced he was suspending his 2012 presidential campaign on January 19, 2012.

2012: Unsuccessful Presidential Run

In 2012, Rick Perry ran unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination for President of the United States.

August 15, 2014: Indictment by Travis County grand jury

On August 15, 2014, Rick Perry was indicted by a Travis County grand jury for abuse of official capacity and coercion of a public servant related to threatening to veto funding for the Public Integrity Unit and seeking the resignation of District Attorney Rosemary Lehmberg.

September 11, 2015: Perry withdraws from presidential race

On September 11, 2015, Rick Perry withdrew from the presidential race. He was the first major candidate to drop out, due to poor polling and dire financial straits within his campaign, which was spending far more than it was raising.

December 14, 2016: Trump Nominates Perry as Secretary of Energy

On December 14, 2016, President-elect Donald Trump nominated Rick Perry as Secretary of Energy. This nomination was initially met with criticism due to Perry's past calls to abolish the Department of Energy.

2016: Unsuccessful Presidential Run

In 2016, Rick Perry ran unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination for President of the United States.

2022: Report on Border Security Efforts

According to a 2022 investigative report by the Texas Tribune, "The way the governors and their administrations have tracked success has fluctuated over the years, offering little clarity into whether the state is closer to securing the border today than it was nearly 20 years ago."