1. Overview
Dorothy Ann Richards, born Dorothy Ann Willis (September 1, 1933 - September 13, 2006), was an American politician who served as the 45th Governor of Texas from 1991 to 1995. A prominent figure in the Democratic Party, she first gained national recognition as the Texas State Treasurer before delivering a highly influential keynote address at the 1988 Democratic National Convention. Richards was the second woman to serve as Governor of Texas, following Miriam A. Ferguson, and was widely recognized for her outspoken feminism and sharp, memorable one-liners. Her political career was marked by a commitment to progressive reforms and social equality, though it also faced criticism regarding certain legislative decisions. She was defeated in her 1994 re-election campaign by George W. Bush and remains the most recent Democrat and woman to hold the governorship of Texas.
2. Early life
Ann Richards' early life in Texas laid the foundation for her later political career, shaping her perspectives and interests in public service.
2.1. Early life and education
Richards was born in Lakeview, which is now part of Lacy Lakeview, in McLennan County, Texas, on September 1, 1933. She was the only child of Robert Cecil Willis, a pharmaceutical salesman who served in World War II, and Mildred Iona "Ona" Warren, a homemaker. Both of her parents were natives of Texas. Richards grew up in Waco, and the family briefly resided in San Diego, California, before returning to Texas when Richards began high school. During this period, she decided to go by her middle name, Ann, dropping her first name.
Her early political interests were sparked by her participation in Girls State, a mock-government assembly, and her role as the Texas delegate at the Girls Nation event in Washington, D.C.. These experiences were pivotal in developing her passion for politics. She graduated from Waco High School in 1950. Richards attended Baylor University on a debate team scholarship, where she earned a bachelor's degree. After marrying her high school sweetheart, David "Dave" Richards, she moved to Austin and obtained a teaching certificate from the University of Texas at Austin. Ann and David Richards had four children: Cecile, Daniel, Clarke, and Ellen. Her daughter, Cecile Richards, born on July 15, 1957, later became the president of Planned Parenthood from 2006 to 2018. Ann Richards' first cousin once removed was the art historian Gary Tinterow.
2.2. Early activities
From 1955 to 1956, Richards worked as a schoolteacher, teaching social studies and history at Fulmore Junior High School (now renamed Lively Middle School) in Austin. Beyond her teaching career, she actively campaigned for various Texas liberal and progressive political figures. These included Henry B. Gonzalez, Ralph Yarborough, and Sarah T. Hughes, who would later become a United States District Judge. Her engagement in these early campaigns reflected her burgeoning interest in politics and her alignment with progressive causes.
3. Political career
Ann Richards' political career spanned several decades, marked by her rise from local governance to statewide office and ultimately to the governorship of Texas, where she implemented significant reforms.
3.1. State Treasurer
In 1982, following the legal troubles of the incumbent Texas State Treasurer, Warren G. Harding, Ann Richards secured the Democratic nomination for the position. She went on to win the election against her Republican opponent in November of that year, making history as the first woman elected to statewide office in Texas in over fifty years. Her success continued in 1986, when she was re-elected as treasurer without opposition.
Richards proved to be a popular and proactive treasurer, dedicated to maximizing the returns on Texas state investments. She noted that when she assumed office, the Treasury Department operated much like a 1930s country bank, with deposits that did not accrue interest. Her efforts transformed the department into a more efficient and profitable entity. Her growing political stature was evident at the 1984 Democratic National Convention, where she delivered one of the nominating speeches for the Democratic presidential nominee, Walter Mondale. She actively campaigned for the Mondale/Ferraro ticket in Texas, even though President Ronald Reagan enjoyed considerable popularity in the state at the time.
3.2. 1988 Democratic National Convention
Ann Richards' keynote address at the 1988 Democratic National Convention catapulted her into the national spotlight. The speech was sharply critical of the Reagan Administration and then-Vice President George H. W. Bush. Her address became memorable for several pointed remarks. She began by stating, "I'm delighted to be here with you this evening, because after listening to George Bush all these years, I figured you needed to know what a real Texas accent sounds like." She famously quipper about Bush, "Poor George, he can't help it. He was born with a silver foot in his mouth," a combination of the idioms "born with a silver spoon in his mouth" (indicating wealth) and "putting his foot in his mouth" (meaning to say something embarrassing).
Another widely quoted line from her speech was, "Two women in 160 years is about par for the course. But if you give us a chance, we can perform. After all, Ginger Rogers did everything that Fred Astaire did. She just did it backwards and in high heels." This line, popularized by Richards, is often attributed to her, though she credited Linda Ellerbee with giving her the line, and Ellerbee, in turn, credited an anonymous airplane passenger. Richards also criticized government spending, stating, "When we pay billions for planes that won't fly, billions for tanks that won't fire, and billions for systems that won't work, that old dog won't hunt. And you don't have to be from Waco to know that when the Pentagon makes crooks rich and doesn't make America strong, that it's a bum deal."
Richards' convention address has been recognized by rhetorical experts as a historically significant speech. During the presidential debate that year between Republican George Bush and Democrat Michael Dukakis, Bush referenced Richards' comments about him, which he considered uncivil. The speech significantly shaped Richards' political future, and in 1989, she co-authored her autobiography, Straight from the Heart: My Life in Politics and Other Places, with Peter Knobler.
3.3. Governor of Texas (1991-1995)
Ann Richards' tenure as Governor of Texas from 1991 to 1995 was marked by her efforts to reform various state systems, particularly in education and the prison system, and her advocacy for progressive policies.
3.3.1. Election and Inauguration
In 1990, the Republican incumbent Governor of Texas, Bill Clements, chose not to seek a third nonconsecutive term, opening the field for a new gubernatorial race. Ann Richards positioned herself as a sensible progressive candidate and secured the Democratic gubernatorial nomination. She faced a challenging primary runoff against Attorney General (and former U.S. representative) Jim Mattox of Dallas, who ran a particularly aggressive campaign, including accusations of drug problems beyond alcoholism against Richards. She also defeated former Governor Mark White of Houston in the primary.
The Republicans nominated Clayton Williams, an eccentric multi-millionaire rancher from Fort Stockton and Midland. The campaign was contentious, with Republican political activist Susan Weddington of San Antonio, a Williams supporter, placing a black wreath that read "Death to the Family" at the door of Richards's campaign headquarters in Austin. Williams' campaign was further hampered by a series of public gaffes, most notably a controversial joke about rape. These missteps contributed to Richards' narrow victory on November 6, 1990, where she won with 49% of the vote to Williams' 47%. Libertarian Party nominee Jeff Daiell garnered 3.3 percent, having run a campaign that included television spots and significant personal campaigning. Ann Richards was inaugurated as the 45th Governor of Texas the following January, becoming the second woman to hold the state's highest office, after Miriam "Ma" Ferguson. Her chief of staff during her governorship was Mary Beth Rogers.
3.3.2. Major policies and reforms
During her governorship, Richards focused on several key areas of reform, aiming to modernize state institutions and improve public services. Her administration initiated significant changes in the state's education and prison systems, and she oversaw the establishment of the Texas Lottery.
3.3.3. School finance and education reform
School finance remained a central issue throughout Richards' governorship, a challenge that continued to face her successors. In the 1992-1993 biennium, her administration launched the famous Robin Hood plan, an initiative designed to make school funding more equitable across different school districts by redistributing wealth from richer to poorer districts. Richards also aimed to decentralize control over education policy, shifting authority from the state to individual districts and campuses through the implementation of "site-based management."
Her commitment to education was evident from the beginning of her term. On January 19, 1991, she held a "school assembly" where she directly engaged with students as well as teachers from across Texas to understand their needs and identify necessary changes within the school systems. She believed this direct input from those most affected by the education system was crucial. Richards placed great emphasis on education as a solution to crime and economic problems in Texas. She argued that investing in education was essential to promote jobs in the state's high-technology fields and break cycles of crime, warning that without such investment, Texas would face significant challenges.
3.3.4. Prison system reform
As governor, Ann Richards undertook substantial reforms within the Texas prison system. She established a comprehensive substance abuse program for inmates, aiming to address the root causes of criminal behavior and facilitate rehabilitation. Her administration also implemented measures to reduce the number of violent offenders released prematurely and worked to increase prison capacity to manage the rapidly growing inmate population, which rose from less than 60,000 in 1992 to over 80,000 by 1994.
3.3.5. Texas Lottery
The Texas Lottery was instituted during Ann Richards' governorship, primarily as a means of supplementing school finances. On May 29, 1992, Richards personally purchased the very first lottery ticket in Oak Hill, a community near Austin, marking the official launch of the state lottery. The lottery was advocated as a way to generate additional revenue for public education without raising taxes.
3.3.6. Gun control advocacy
Governor Richards also took a stance on gun control, backing proposals aimed at reducing gun violence in the state. Her initiatives included efforts to limit the sale of semi-automatic firearms and "cop-killer" bullets, which are designed to penetrate bulletproof vests. These proposals reflected her commitment to public safety and her progressive approach to legislative issues.
3.3.7. "Homosexual Conduct" Law controversy
In 1993, Governor Richards signed into law the re-codified Texas Penal Code, which controversially included Section 21.06, the state's "Homosexual Conduct" law. This statute declared: "(a) A person commits an offense if he engages in deviate sexual intercourse with another individual of the same sex. (b) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor." This action sparked significant criticism, particularly from the LGBTQ+ community, as it criminalized same-sex sexual relations in Texas.
The controversy was further amplified by the fact that Richards had campaigned in Houston in 1990, advocating for the repeal of this very law. Her decision to sign the bill, despite her earlier stance, led to accusations of hypocrisy and a perceived betrayal of minority rights. LGBT commentator Dale Carpenter notably described Richards' legacy as "darkly anti-gay," citing instances where individuals were prosecuted for violating the law she had signed.
However, Bryan H. Wildenthal, an associate professor and director of the Center for Law and Social Justice at the Thomas Jefferson School of Law, offered a counter-argument. Wildenthal contended that the legislation was passed despite Richards' objections, and that vetoing the entire bill would have resulted in the retention of an even more restrictive existing sodomy law, while also sacrificing numerous other unrelated progressive improvements contained within the new code. This complex legislative context highlights the difficult choices Richards faced, but the signing of Section 21.06 remains a contentious point in her legacy, particularly from the perspective of human rights and social justice advocates.
3.3.8. Re-election campaign and defeat
In 1994, Ann Richards sought re-election as Governor of Texas, facing Republican George W. Bush. Despite her campaign outspending Bush's by 23%, she was ultimately defeated. Bush secured 53.48% of the vote, while Richards received 45.88%. Libertarian Keary Ehlers accounted for 0.64% of the votes. Richards' campaign had anticipated that the relatively inexperienced Republican nominee would make a significant misstep, but Bush managed to avoid major errors. Conversely, Richards herself made several notable gaffes during the campaign, including referring to Bush as "some jerk," "shrub," and "that young Bush boy." Her defeat was part of the broader Republican Revolution of 1994, which also saw the unseating of New York Governor Mario Cuomo and a shift to Republican majorities in both the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives.
4. Post-governorship
After her defeat in the 1994 gubernatorial election, Ann Richards remained active in public life, transitioning into roles in communications, advisory capacities, and advocacy.
Following her governorship, Richards and former New York Governor Mario Cuomo appeared in a series of humorous television commercials for the snack food Doritos. In these commercials, they comically discussed "sweeping changes" which, to their surprise, turned out to be new Doritos packaging.
From 1995 to 2001, Richards served as a senior advisor with Verner, Liipfert, Bernhard, McPherson and Hand, an international law firm based in Washington, D.C.. Subsequently, beginning in 2001, she became a senior advisor to Public Strategies, Inc., a communications firm with offices in Austin and New York. Richards also held positions on the boards of several prominent organizations, including the Aspen Institute, JCPenney, and T.I.G. Holdings.
Her daughter, Cecile Richards, became president of Planned Parenthood in 2006, continuing the family's engagement in social causes. Ann Richards herself maintained a strong interest in various social issues, including social equality, abortion rights, and women's rights. She was a tireless campaigner for Democratic candidates across the United States. In the 2004 United States presidential election, Richards initially endorsed Howard Dean for the Democratic nomination and actively campaigned on his behalf. She later stumped for the eventual Democratic nominee, John Kerry, focusing on issues such as health care and women's rights. While some political pundits speculated about her as a potential running mate for Kerry, she did not make his list of top finalists, and he ultimately selected John Edwards. Richards publicly stated that she was "not interested" in a political comeback.
5. Teaching and advocacy
Ann Richards maintained a strong commitment to education and became a vocal advocate for various social causes, particularly in the areas of health and women's leadership, throughout her life.
5.1. University teaching and professorships
Richards' career in education began early, as she taught social studies and history at Fulmore Junior High School (now Lively Middle School) in Austin from 1954 to 1957. Her dedication to education continued in her later years. She believed that education was paramount, especially for addressing crime and economic challenges in Texas. In November 1989, during a campaign speech in Bryan, Texas, she emphasized the need to educate the populace to foster a sustainable environment and promote jobs in Texas' high-technology fields, asserting that investment in education was crucial to breaking crime cycles.
From 1997 to 1998, she served as the Fred and Rita Richman Distinguished Visiting Professor of Politics at Brandeis University. In 1998, she was elected as a trustee of Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts, a position she was re-elected to in 2004 and held until her death. In the fall of 2005, Richards taught a class titled "Women and Leadership" at the University of Texas at Austin, for which 21 female students were specially selected.
5.2. Health advocacy (Osteoporosis)
In 1996, Ann Richards was diagnosed with osteoporosis, a condition that led to her losing three-quarters of an inch in height and experiencing fractures in her hand and ankle. Following her diagnosis, she made significant changes to her diet and lifestyle, which helped stabilize her bone density. Richards frequently shared her personal experience with osteoporosis, using her platform to advocate for bone health and educate women at risk of the disease about healthier lifestyles.
In 2004, she co-authored the book I'm Not Slowing Down with gynaecologist Richard U. Levine. The book detailed her own battle with osteoporosis and provided guidance to others living with the condition. A review by Steve Labinski described the book as an inspiration for women to combat the disease through various strategies. These included identifying factors that increase vulnerability to osteoporosis, such as a lack of estrogen, menopause, and the use of substances like caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol. The book also highlighted the importance of bone-density tests, illustrating the process with Ann Richards' own test results, and provided extensive lists of beneficial calcium-enriched foods while noting foods to avoid. Additionally, it offered practical everyday tips to improve muscle condition and prevent bone injuries.
5.3. Women's leadership advocacy
Prior to her passing, Ann Richards was instrumental in the creation of the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders. This public school, serving the Austin Independent School District, opened on August 27, 2007, with the mission to educate and empower young women from grades 6 through 12, thereby creating opportunities that might not otherwise have been available to them. The school initially welcomed 6th and 7th-grade classes, adding an additional grade each year from 2007 to 2012. In January 2021, the school moved into a new facility. Richards' vision aimed to provide young women, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, with the confidence and opportunity to pursue college education and successful careers. Today, over 900 students form a community of women aspiring to achieve greatness, supported by the Austin Independent School District, the Dallas-based Young Women's Preparatory Network (YWPN), and the Ann Richards School Foundation.
6. Contributions to arts and culture
Ann Richards was a strong proponent of the arts and culture in Texas, actively working to elevate the profile of the state's film and music industries.
One of her first legislative requests as governor was to transfer the Texas Music Office, which was established in 1990 during Governor Bill Clements' administration, and the Texas Film Commission, created in 1971 during Governor Preston Smith's term, from the Texas Department of Commerce to the Office of the Governor. Her long-standing personal interest in Texas film and music significantly raised the public profile of both industries, effectively bringing these programs under the direct purview of the Governor's Office. This move institutionalized these industries as key, high-profile components of Texas' future economic growth plans.
Other notable milestones during her support for music included publishing the first "Texas Music Industry Directory" in 1991 and delivering her "Welcome to Texas" speech to the opening day registrants of the 1993 South by Southwest Music and Media Conference. She was involved with the Texas Film Hall of Fame from its inception, inducting journalist Liz Smith at the first ceremony. Richards served as the emcee for every subsequent year until 2006, when she had to cancel at the last minute due to her cancer diagnosis.
Richards famously stated, "I've been a friend to Texas film since the number of people who cared about Texas film could have fit in a phone booth." She was a dedicated advocate for the Texas film industry, traveling to Los Angeles to market her state. Gary Bond, the director of the Austin Film Commission, acknowledged her impact, noting, "She was far from being the first governor to appoint a film commissioner; I think she was the first that really brought the focus of Hollywood to Texas." She also served as a mentor, advising figures like Rebecca Campbell, executive director of the Austin Film Society, to always articulate needs when speaking publicly. Richards successfully brought more focus to film as a genuine industry and a business, leveraging her extensive network within the entertainment sector.
She was interviewed in the 1996 Ken Burns documentary series The West, which explored the history of Texas and the United States in the 1800s. In the film, she acknowledged that the colonization of the United States involved genocide and dispossession, but added, "But even knowing all of that. And wishing that part of it were not there, cannot take away the spirit and idealism and the excitement that people (settlers) felt that actually did it and that we still feel when we think about them doing it." Richards also appeared in a 2009 documentary film, Sam Houston: American Statesman, Soldier, and Pioneer. It is believed that her final appearance in film was in a short public announcement for the Alamo Drafthouse, asking patrons not to be disruptive during movies. This announcement is still used today, with an added tribute in her honor. Richards was also an active participant in the Austin City Limits Festivals and the SXSW festival, the interactive music and film festival held annually in Austin.
7. Awards and recognition
Throughout her distinguished career, Ann Richards received numerous awards and honors for her public service and contributions. These recognitions highlight her impact across various fields.
She was honored with the Baylor Distinguished Alumni Award, which recognizes alumni who have made outstanding contributions to biomedical and/or medical science through clinical service, research, education, or administrative leadership. Richards also received the Texas NAACP Presidential Award for Outstanding Contributions to Civil Rights, an accolade selected by the NAACP president to acknowledge special achievements and distinguished public service.
Her commitment to environmental conservation was recognized with the National Wildlife Federation Conservation Achievement Award. Internationally, she was presented with the Orden del Aguila Azteca (Order of the Aztec Eagle) by the government of Mexico, one of the highest honors Mexico bestows upon foreign nationals. Other notable awards include the Maurice N. Eisendrath Bearer of Light Award from the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, and her induction into the Texas Women's Hall of Fame for Public Service. In 2007, a public all-girls preparatory school in Austin, Texas, the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders, was named in her honor. Additionally, the Ann Richards Middle School in Palmview, Texas, was inaugurated in 1999, also bearing her name.
8. Final years and death
In her later years, Ann Richards made a significant move to New York City, where she spent the last five years of her life. According to journalist Liz Smith, the events of 9/11 motivated her decision, as she wished to convey a message that "just because something tragic and life altering may happen, that doesn't mean we're supposed to turn heel and run away."
In March 2006, Richards publicly disclosed that she had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer. She received treatment for her illness at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Esophageal cancer is known to have major risk factors such as exposure to alcohol and tobacco. Richards, by her own admission, had stated that she "smoked like a chimney and drank like a fish" in her younger years.
Ann Richards died from cancer at her home in Austin on September 13, 2006, at the age of 73. Following her passing, three memorial services were held to honor her life and contributions. Her remains are interred at the Texas State Cemetery in Austin.
9. Legacy and assessment
Ann Richards' legacy is complex and multifaceted, encompassing significant contributions to Texas politics and society, while also facing scrutiny for certain decisions made during her career.
9.1. Positive assessments
Ann Richards is widely remembered as a trailblazing progressive leader who brought a distinctive style and a focus on social equality to Texas politics. Her impact is commemorated in various ways, including the renaming of the Congress Avenue Bridge in Austin to the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge on November 16, 2006.
Her powerful keynote address at the 1988 Democratic National Convention is recognized for its rhetorical significance, listed as No. 38 in American Rhetoric's Top 100 Speeches of the 20th Century. Her commitment to education and women's leadership is honored through the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders in Austin, a college preparatory school for girls in grades 6-12 that she helped create, which opened in the fall of 2007. Another institution, Ann Richards Middle School in Palmview, Texas, was also named in her honor in 1999. Richards' influence extended into popular culture, as she was featured in the "HerStory" video tribute to notable women during U2's 2017 tour for the 30th anniversary of The Joshua Tree, specifically during performances of "Ultraviolet (Light My Way)."
9.2. Criticisms and controversies
Despite her many achievements, Ann Richards' legacy has been a subject of controversy, particularly among LGBTQ+ groups. A significant point of contention stems from her involvement in the ratification of Section 21.06 of the Texas Penal Code in 1993. This law, which prohibited "deviate sexual intercourse [between] individual[s] of the same sex," effectively criminalized same-sex sexual relations in Texas. The criticism is amplified by the fact that Richards had actively campaigned against this very measure during her 1990 gubernatorial election campaign.
The signing of this law led to accusations that Richards betrayed the LGBTQ+ community. LGBT commentator Dale Carpenter described Richards' legacy as "darkly anti-gay," highlighting instances where individuals were prosecuted under the law that she had signed. This aspect of her governorship stands in stark contrast to her broader image as a progressive and advocate for social equality. However, Bryan H. Wildenthal, an associate professor and director of the Center for Law and Social Justice at the Thomas Jefferson School of Law, argued that Richards signed the legislation despite her personal objections. He suggested that vetoing the bill would have resulted in the continuation of a pre-existing, potentially more punitive, sodomy law, while also sacrificing other unrelated progressive improvements within the recodified penal code. This complex legislative dilemma underscores the nuanced nature of her decision, but the negative impact on the LGBTQ+ community remains a significant part of the critical assessment of her legacy.
9.3. Impact
Ann Richards' impact on Texas politics and society was profound, characterized by her distinctive leadership style and her unwavering advocacy for progressive causes. She brought a new level of transparency and accountability to state government, particularly during her time as State Treasurer. As governor, her policy initiatives in education, prison reform, and the establishment of the state lottery left a lasting mark on Texas. Her efforts to decentralize educational control and her focus on improving public schools aimed to create a more equitable and educated populace.
Beyond specific policies, Richards served as a powerful symbol for women in politics, breaking barriers and inspiring future generations of female leaders. Her outspoken nature and sharp wit made her a unique and memorable figure on the national political stage. While her legacy is complicated by the "Homosexual Conduct" law, her broader contributions to social equality, her commitment to public service, and her role as a voice for the people continue to define her enduring influence on Texas and American political discourse.
10. In popular culture
Ann Richards' distinctive personality and political career led to her being portrayed or referenced in various forms of popular culture.
In 2001, Richards made a cameo appearance in a fifth-season episode of the Texas-based animated TV series King of the Hill, titled "Hank and the Great Glass Elevator". In the episode, Hank Hill moons her, and she subsequently begins a brief relationship with Bill Dauterive. She is also seen in the closing credits of King of the Hill Season 1 Episode 4, depicted playing tetherball with Willie Nelson's roadie.
Richards provided a voice cameo in Disney's 2004 animated film Home on the Range, lending her voice to a saloon owner character named Annie. She was a topic in the 2004 documentary film Bush's Brain by Joseph Mealey and Michael Shoob. A segment in the film discussed her defeat in the 1994 Texas gubernatorial election, presenting the case that her loss involved a whisper campaign suggesting she was a lesbian, allegedly due to her hiring of many gay and lesbian individuals for her re-election campaign. In the 2008 Oliver Stone film W., Richards is mentioned during George Bush's campaign as "Ms. Big Mouth, Big Hair."
In 2008, actress Anna Deavere Smith portrayed Richards as one of the characters in her play, Let Me Down Easy, which explored themes of illness, death, and the healthcare system. The show premiered in 2008, toured various cities, and was featured as part of PBS's Great Performances series on January 13, 2012.
In 2010, actress Holland Taylor debuted a one-woman show titled "Ann: An Affectionate Portrait of Ann Richards" at the Charline McCombs Empire Theater in San Antonio. The show later moved to the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and the Vivian Beaumont Theater in New York City's Lincoln Center in 2013. PBS's Great Performances broadcast the premiere of the play, now simply titled "Ann," on June 19, 2020, which had been recorded at the Zach Theater in Austin following its national tour and Broadway run. Taylor described Richards as "brave, strong, and funny," noting that Bill Clinton had called her the wittiest person he had ever met. Taylor also highlighted Richards' pioneering role, stating that she "ran as a liberal in conservative Texas" and was "ahead of Obama by about 10 years as an 'inclusive' leader."
In 2012, a documentary focusing on her political life, Ann Richards' Texas, was released. This was followed by an HBO documentary, All About Ann: Governor Richards of the Lone Star State, which premiered on April 28, 2014. In 2019, "Call Me Ann: A Rock Opera" debuted at the Houston Fringe Festival in Houston, Texas.
11. Electoral history
| Election | Office | Party | Vote Percentage | Votes | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 Texas Gubernatorial Election | Governor of Texas | Democratic | 49.47% | 1,925,670 | Won |
| 1994 Texas Gubernatorial Election | Governor of Texas | Democratic | 45.88% | 2,016,928 | Lost |