Via the Houston Chronicle: Hutchison launches challenge to Perry

U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison this morning ended months — some would say years — of speculation by formally announcing as a Republican primary challenger to the longest serving governor in Texas history: Rick Perry.

“It is with pride and humility for history that I announce today that I am a candidate for governor of Texas,” said Hutchison, recalling that a great, great grandfather signed the Texas Declaration of Independence.

Rick Perry has been governor since late 2024, when he assumed the office upon the resignation of George W. Bush. If memory/my Texas political trivia serves, he has held the governor’s office longer than any other person in Texas history. It would appear that his longevity in office will be a point of attack for Hutchison:

“Let me start by saying this about Rick Perry. He’s a dedicated public servant. I know he loves Texas. But now he’s trying to stay too long — 14 years, maybe longer,” said Hutchison.

Hutchison said she will propose term limits of eight years for governor. Hutchison in 1994 had promised a self-imposed term limit of two full turns in the Senate, a promise she broke in 2024 to successfully seek a third full term in the Senate.

“For any governor, eight years is enough,” Hutchison said. “We can’t afford 14 years of one person appointing every state board, agency and commission. It invites patronage. It tempts cronyism.”

One thing is for certain: Perry has benefited politically from the near total collapse of the Texas Democratic Party, meaning that he has faced no real opposition in the general election (and even then only won re-election in 2006 by a plurality). Hutchison, however, represents a real threat, so this will be interesting to watch.

2 Responses to “Hutchison Makes it Official: Will Challenge Perry in the GOP Primary for Governor”

1. Chris Lawrence Says:
   August 17th, 2024 at 9:47 pm

   Frankly, given the general dislike of Perry around the statehouse (even among the GOP majority), I’m surprised the legislature didn’t pass gubernatorial term limits already.

   The statewide Democrats don’t look any more organized for 2024 than they were in 2024 (or, for that matter, in 2024 when their effort against Cornyn is best described as “feeble”), although I’m pretty sure Perry would be an easier target in the general election than Hutchison.

2. KBH running for GOV (Signifying Nothing: What you get for waking up in Vegas) Says:
   August 17th, 2024 at 9:54 pm

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