Following much anticipation, prediction and some doubt, Gov. Rick Perry has announced he will not seek another term as governor.
A production crew played a campaign video ahead of Perry's speech, which lead most in the crowd to believe he was running for another term, but it was all for naught.
"I remain excited about the future and the challenges ahead, but the time has come to pass on the mantle of leadership. Today, I am announcing I will not seek re-election as governor of Texas," Perry said.
Utilizing job growth seen in Texas over the past few years, Perry highlighted tax-cuts for businesses and individuals he helped facilitate. Perry said 30 percent of the net new jobs in America happened in Texas during his time in office.
Perry announced he would continue to work on job creation and convincing out of state companies to relocate to Texas. What that means exactly, only time will tell.
Thank you's and goodbyes:
- We will update this post throughout the day with the latest statements issued by Texas political figures as they come in with the most recent at the top of this list.
Senator Ted Cruz has a thank you for the outgoing governor:
"Gov. Perry led the Great State of Texas during a period that will forever be etched in history for unprecedented job creation and economic growth – his leadership has helped empower all Texans to pursue and achieve unlimited opportunity. We should all be grateful to Gov. Perry for the work he has done to keep Texas the most prosperous state in the nation."
Michael Quinn Sullivan, president of Texans for Fiscal Responsibility, has a tribute to Perry's leadership in the state:
"For more than a decade, Gov. Perry brought a strong, conservative vision to Texas’ legislative affairs by consistently championing limited government, fiscal responsibility and sensible regulatory reform. As he closes out this chapter in his life of public service, the governor can do so knowing that under his watch the Lone Star State has outshined others in job creation and economic prosperity."
Gilberto Hinojosa, chairman of the Texas Democratic Party, has released a statement that looks at the current battle at the capitol and the next election:
"While thousands of Texans throughout the state rally to protect women’s rights and make their voices heard during the second Special Session, Perry continues to focus on his own agenda and interests.
"The Texas Democratic Party is getting the ground ready for our gubernatorial candidate. We will run an aggressive campaign to Turn Texas Blue and defeat Greg Abbott, and any other Republican candidate for governor. The new era in Texas politics is beginning."
Tom Pauken, who is the former chairman of the Texas Workforce Commission and has already begun his push for the governor's office, has issued a thank you and a statement on Attorney General Greg Abbott, a likely Republican primary opponent:
"I wish the best of luck to Rick for his future endeavors. He has made a significant contribution to Texas history and will not soon be forgotten.
"My opponent most likely will be Greg Abbott. He represents an Austin that has grown stale with insiders inheriting promotions whose primary allegiance is to those who write the big checks. Every day Texans feel they don't have a voice anymore and that the insiders are running the show."
State Rep. Mike Villarreal, D-San Antonio, issued a statement shortly after Perry's announcement, which both thanked him for his time and offered a critical jab:
"I want to thank Governor Perry and his wife Anita for their service to Texas. I usually disagree with the Governor several times per day, but I appreciate his love of Texas and wish him the best of luck. Unfortunately, his legacy will be one of cutting education funding, pushing more testing into our classrooms, and promoting issues that divide Texans rather than bringing us together."
Senator John Cornyn has a thank you for Perry's time in the governor's office, and also looks ahead:
"Under Governor Perry’s leadership, Texas has been a shining example that less government, lower taxes and fewer regulations helps to grow jobs and move our economy forward. It’s a striking contrast to the big government, big spending, liberal mindset of the current Administration.
"Sandy and I wish Gov. Perry and Anita the best, and I look forward to continuing to work with him on behalf of 26 million Texans."
