Early Life and Education of Rick Perry: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Rick Perry. From birth to education, explore key events.

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

March 4, 1950: Rick Perry's Birth

On March 4, 1950, James Richard Perry, later known as Rick Perry, was born. He went on to become an American politician, serving as the 14th United States Secretary of Energy from 2017 to 2019 and the 47th Governor of Texas from 2000 to 2015.

Others born on this day/year

November 1961: Attended Sam Rayburn's Funeral

In November 1961, Rick Perry attended the funeral of U.S. Representative Sam Rayburn with his father, which he has said sparked his interest in politics.

1972: Graduated from Texas A&M University

In 1972, Rick Perry graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science degree in animal science.

1976: Earthquake Relief in Guatemala

In 1976, as part of his duties in the Air Force, Rick Perry participated in earthquake relief efforts in Guatemala.

1977: Left the Air Force

In 1977, Rick Perry left the Air Force at the rank of captain and returned to Texas to farm cotton.

1982: Perry Married Mary Anita Thigpen

In 1982, Rick Perry married Mary Anita Thigpen, his childhood sweetheart. Anita attended West Texas State University and earned a degree in nursing.

September 29, 1989: Switched to Republican Party

On September 29, 1989, Rick Perry announced he was switching parties and becoming a Republican.

1989: Comments on College Experience

In 1989, Rick Perry said he was not structured well for college life outside of a military regime and wouldn't have lasted at Texas Tech or the University of Texas.

1989: Party Switch to Republican

In 1989, Rick Perry switched political parties from Democrat to Republican.

2005: Opposition to Shortchanging Education Budget

In 2005, Rick Perry stated he would not approve an education budget that shortchanges teacher salary increases, textbooks, education technology, and education reforms, and that $2 billion should not sit in a bank account when it can go directly to the classroom.

2006: Endorsement from Lena Guerrero

In 2006, Lena Guerrero, a staunch liberal Democrat and former state representative, endorsed Rick Perry's reelection bid.

2006: Belief in inerrancy of the Bible

In 2006, Rick Perry stated his belief in the inerrancy of the Bible and that non-believers in Jesus would go to hell, later clarifying that he couldn't interpret God's final decisions.

2008: Views on Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses in "On My Honor"

In his 2008 book, On My Honor, Rick Perry discussed the Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clause of the U.S. Constitution, stating his belief that the government shouldn't espouse a specific faith and that atheists shouldn't sanitize religious references from civil dialogue.

July 1, 2011: Adult stem cell surgery and industry groundwork

On July 1, 2011, Rick Perry had adult stem cell surgery in Houston and began "laying the groundwork" for the commercialization of the adult stem cell industry in Texas.

June 19, 2017: Perry Acknowledges Human Impact on Climate Change

In a CNBC interview on June 19, 2017, Rick Perry acknowledged the role of human activity in the rise of the Earth's temperature, stating that the focus should be on determining the extent of the impact and appropriate policy changes.

July 2017: Perry Supports Ban on Transgender People in Military

In July 2017, Rick Perry voiced his strong support for Donald Trump's ban on transgender individuals serving in the U.S. military. He stated concerns about the financial implications of sex reassignment surgeries.

November 2017: Perry Links Fossil Fuels to Reducing Sexual Assault in Africa

In November 2017, Rick Perry suggested that using fossil fuels to provide lighting in dangerous areas of Africa could reduce sexual assault. He stated that light would shine righteousness on those types of acts. This statement drew criticism from the Sierra Club.

November 2018: U.S. Becomes Net Exporter of Oil

In November 2018, for one week, it was reported that the U.S. became a net exporter of oil, temporarily ending nearly 75 continuous years of dependence on foreign oil.