County Resident Rick Perry Getting Back into the State Political Spotlight

Former Governor and Fayette County resident Rick Perry has a new role in State government. He is serving as a senior advisor to Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan.

Phelan announced his new relationship with Perry during a press conference last week. The move is seen by many as a way for Phelan to boost his conservative credentials. Three other Republicans have already announced their intention to challenger Phelan for the speakership in the next Lesgislative session.

“Governor Perry’s legacy of service to Texas is unparalleled, and I am honored to have him join our team as we prepare for the upcoming legislative session,” Phelan said in a press release issued last Thursday, Sept. 5.

“From his time as Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Agriculture Commissioner and State Representative, he understands every facet of the legislative process, and that will be a tremendous asset as we work to strengthen our state’s economy, improve education and ensure every member’s voice is heard in the Texas House this session,” Phelan said. “I’m incredibly grateful for Governor Perry’s willingness to support my office in these efforts our team stands ready for another impactful session that delivers on conservative priorities and effective leadership for the people of Texas.”

Phelan faces criticism among Republicans for his support of the failed impeachment against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton last year. Lt. Governor Dan Patrick has called for an audit into the legal expenses the State incurred during those proceedings. Patrick has also blasted Phelan for trying to “steal the credit” for a $100,000 homestead exemption that the Legislature passed last year.

“I understand the DWD (Done with Dade) group is growing within the House,” Patrick said in a statement posted to X (formerly known as Twitter). “His only path to remain Speaker is for all or a large majority of Democrats to vote for him. Let’s not forget that he won his recent primary run-off by about 300 votes because Democrats crossed over in big numbers and took the Republican primary from the voters of East Texas.”

Perry knows his way around the halls of the Capitol building in Austin. He served in the Texas House from 1985 to 1991. He went on to become Texas Agriculture Commissioner for eight years before running and winning the seat of Lieutenant Governor. He served two years in that post, which, most importantly, involves leading the Texas Senate. He assumed the governorship in 2000 after George W. Bush resigned to become U.S. President.

Perry was the longestserving Governor in Texas history, having completed three full terms in office. He ran for the Republican nomination for U.S. President twice, in 2012 and 2016, but he ended up dropping out of both races. In 2016, then-President elect Donald Trump nominated Perry for U.S. Secretary of Energy. His appointment was opposed by many in the Democratic Party due to his prior statements in favor of abolishing the Department of Energy. He eventually won the nomination and went on to serve as U.S. Energy Secretary through the first half of the Trump Administration.

He’s kept a fairly low profile since his tenure in the Energy Department. Perry occasionally appears at local events; he was one of the dignitaries who greeted Czech President Petr Pavel during his visit to La Grange on July 14. In 2023, Perry lobbied on behalf of the Sports Betting Alliance to expand legal gambling in Texas – a cause notably opposed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. Last week, he appeared on Fox News criticizing Kamala Harris for supporting a ban on fracking in the oil and gas industry.

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to support Speaker Phelan and the Texas House at such a pivotal time in our state’s history,” Perry said in a statement last Thursday. “The Texas House is not only where I began my career in public service, it’s a bedrock of balanced governance in our state giving every voice, from the most rural to the most urban, a chance to be heard. I look forward to working with the Speaker, his team and all House members to strengthen the institution and build on its proud legacy of leadership, innovation and conservative results. Together, we will keep Texas on the path of success for future generations.”