Richards, Ann (1933–2006)

Former Texas Governor Dorothy Ann Willis Richards championed her beloved Texas and appointed more women and minorities to state positions during her term than any other governor. Serving as the 45th governor of Texas, and only the second woman governor of the state, Ann Richards got her start in elective politics in 1976 as a Travis county commissioner and went on to serve as Texas state treasurer until her gubernatorial election in 1990.

“Welcome to the first day of the new Texas!” With these words Governor Richards opened her inaugural address on January 15, 1991, and defined the hallmark of her political communication. Not only did Richards revitalize the Texas economy, she also cut state bureaucracy and advocated insurance, education, and prison reform.

Governor Richards's style of political leadership represented the new Texas. Richards prided herself on building partnerships, actively putting people in places to effect change, and opening the doors of government to those who hadn't been welcome before. Richards believed that “everyone who has a piece of the puzzle” must be “at the table when we sit down to put the jigsaw together.” Leadership required the input of all in Richards's administration. As she often remarked, “using the visibility of my office to open doors” is an important way to build the new Texas.

Richards's political communication was known for its humor, stories, and flair, best represented by her selfdescribed “Dairy Queen lady” hair. The country was first introduced to Richards's sense of humor in her keynote address at the 1988 Democratic Convention when she quipped about Republican nominee George H. W. Bush: “Poor George. He can't help it. He was born with a silver foot in his mouth.” Following that rousing 1988 address, speculation mounted about a Richards run for Texas governor. She ran and, after a hard-fought race, declared the most negative in the state's history, Richards narrowly defeated Texas millionaire Clayton “Wheat” Williams.

Governor Richards was defeated in 1994 by George W. Bush, but her commitment to public service did not end when she left the governor's mansion. She served on several boards of directors, worked in law and public relations, and campaigned tirelessly for Democratic political candidates, particularly women, and for issues such as women's rights, civil rights, abortion, and gay rights.

In September 2006 Ann Richards died of esophageal cancer. Former President Clinton eulogized Richards as larger than life: “First, she was big. Big hair. Big bright eyes. Big blinding smile. She also had a big heart, big dreams; did big deeds.” Clinton praised Richards for opening the doors of government to women and minorities and said that Richards “really believed we could make a world where everyone could be a winner…where young girls grew up to be scientists, engineers, police officers and politicians, where people, without regard for color, condition or orientation were treated as God's children.” Governor [Page 721]Ann Richards will be remembered for her pioneering work paving the way for other political women.