Governor of Texas. He served as the 43rd Governor of Texas from January 18, 1983 to January 20, 1987. He graduated from Baylor University Law School and after spending time practicing law in Houston, Texas, served as the state's assistant attorney general in 1973. That same year, he was appointed Texas Secretary of State under Governor Dolph Briscoe and served in this position until 1977. He also served in the 36th Infantry Division of the Texas National Guard. In 1978 he was elected attorney general of Texas and served in this position until 1983. In 1982 he decided to not seek another term as attorney general and run for the governorship of Texas as a Democrat. He defeated Republican Governor Bill Clements for the position and took office in January of 1983. He served as governor for four years before being defeated for re-election by Bill Clements in 1986. During his administration, he worked to improve education in the state, but his "no-pass, no-play" policy (any high school athlete couldn't play varsity sports if they failed a class) helped seal his loss in 1986. After leaving office, he practiced law and continued being active in local and state politics.
Governor of Texas. He served as the 43rd Governor of Texas from January 18, 1983 to January 20, 1987. He graduated from Baylor University Law School and after spending time practicing law in Houston, Texas, served as the state's assistant attorney general in 1973. That same year, he was appointed Texas Secretary of State under Governor Dolph Briscoe and served in this position until 1977. He also served in the 36th Infantry Division of the Texas National Guard. In 1978 he was elected attorney general of Texas and served in this position until 1983. In 1982 he decided to not seek another term as attorney general and run for the governorship of Texas as a Democrat. He defeated Republican Governor Bill Clements for the position and took office in January of 1983. He served as governor for four years before being defeated for re-election by Bill Clements in 1986. During his administration, he worked to improve education in the state, but his "no-pass, no-play" policy (any high school athlete couldn't play varsity sports if they failed a class) helped seal his loss in 1986. After leaving office, he practiced law and continued being active in local and state politics.
Bio by: Mr. Badger Hawkeye
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