Rick Perry Biography 2026: Age, Career, Net Worth & Latest Updates in 2026

Rick Perry served as the 47th governor of Texas from 2000 to 2015, making him the longest-serving governor in state history. He later became the 14th United States Secretary of Energy under President Donald Trump from 2017 to 2019. Perry also ran for president twice, in 2012 and 2016.

Quick Facts

Full Name	James Richard Perry
Nick Name	Rick
Profession	Politician, Former Governor, Former Cabinet Secretary
Birth Date	March 4, 1950
Age	76 years 7 months old
Birth Place	Paint Creek, Texas, USA
Nationality	American
Known For	Longest-serving Texas Governor, US Energy Secretary, Presidential Candidate
Ethnicity	White (English, Welsh, German ancestry)
Zodiac Sign	Pisces
Height & Weight	6 ft 0 in (183 cm), ~185 lbs (84 kg)
Hair Color	Gray (formerly brown)
Eye Color	Blue
Qualification	B.S. in Animal Science, Texas A&M University (1972)
Religion	Methodist
Marital Status	Married
Spouse	Anita Thigpen Perry (m. 1982)
Children	2 (Griffin Perry, Sydney Perry)
Family Tree	Father: Joseph Ray Perry; Mother: Amelia June Holt; Siblings: 1 sister
Hobbies	Hunting, fishing, jogging, reading history
Current Work	Board member, Energy Transfer LP; Senior advisor, various firms
Years Active	1984–present
Net Worth	Estimated $3–5 million (2026)

Other notable Texas politicians include Greg Abbott, Ted Cruz, Beto O’Rourke, and George W. Bush. Former cabinet colleagues include Rex Tillerson, Ryan Zinke, and Dan Brouillette.

Early Life & Education

James Richard Perry was born on March 4, 1950, in Paint Creek, a tiny community in Haskell County, West Texas. His parents, Joseph Ray Perry and Amelia June Holt, were dryland cotton farmers. The family lived without indoor plumbing during his early childhood.

Perry graduated from Paint Creek High School in 1968. He then attended Texas A&M University, where he joined the Corps of Cadets and served as a yell leader. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science in 1972. His college grades were modest, a fact that later drew media attention during his presidential runs.

After graduation, Perry received a commission in the United States Air Force. He served as a C-130 tactical airlift pilot from 1972 to 1977, reaching the rank of captain. His assignments included deployments to the Middle East and Europe. The military experience shaped his discipline and leadership style.

Career Journey

Early Political Career (1984–2000)

Perry entered politics in 1984 as a Democrat, winning a seat in the Texas House of Representatives from District 64. He served three terms, focusing on agriculture and rural issues. In 1989, he switched to the Republican Party, citing philosophical alignment.

He won election as Texas Agriculture Commissioner in 1990, defeating incumbent Jim Hightower. Perry held the post for two terms, modernizing the department and promoting Texas products globally. In 1998, he ran for lieutenant governor and won, becoming the first Republican to hold the office since Reconstruction.

Governor of Texas (2000–2015)

Perry became governor on December 21, 2000, when George W. Bush resigned to assume the presidency. He won full terms in 2002, 2006, and 2010. His 14-year tenure made him the longest-serving governor in Texas history and one of the longest in U.S. history.

As governor, Perry emphasized job creation, tort reform, and low taxes. Texas led the nation in job growth during much of his tenure. He signed legislation on border security, abortion restrictions, and expanded concealed carry rights. His administration faced criticism over education funding cuts and the execution of Cameron Todd Willingham.

Perry chaired the Republican Governors Association in 2008 and the National Governors Association in 2011. He also served on the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission.

Presidential Campaigns (2012, 2016)

Perry launched his first presidential bid in August 2011. He entered as a frontrunner but stumbled after poor debate performances, notably forgetting the third federal agency he would eliminate during a November 2011 debate. He withdrew in January 2012 after a weak showing in Iowa.

He ran again in 2015, announcing in June with a more disciplined campaign. Despite early momentum, he failed to gain traction in a crowded field and withdrew in September 2015, endorsing Ted Cruz.

Secretary of Energy (2017–2019)

President Trump nominated Perry as Secretary of Energy in December 2016. The Senate confirmed him 62–37 in March 2017. Perry oversaw the nuclear weapons stockpile, national laboratories, and energy policy.

He advocated for coal and nuclear power, arguing they were essential for grid reliability. Perry launched the Grid Reliability and Resilience Pricing initiative, which FERC rejected. He also led U.S. energy diplomacy, visiting allies in Europe and Asia to promote American liquefied natural gas.

Perry resigned in December 2019 amid scrutiny over his role in Ukraine policy. He testified in the House impeachment inquiry, stating he acted at the president’s direction.

Post-Cabinet Activity (2020–2026)

After leaving the cabinet, Perry joined the board of Energy Transfer LP, the pipeline company behind the Dakota Access Pipeline. He also became a senior advisor at the law firm Akin Gump and the investment firm NGP Energy Capital.

In 2026, Perry remains active in energy policy circles. He speaks at industry conferences and advises Republican candidates on energy and rural outreach. He published op-eds supporting domestic oil and gas production and criticizing Biden administration climate policies.

Perry appeared at the 2026 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in February, delivering remarks on energy independence. He also joined a Texas A&M University panel in April 2026 discussing public service leadership.

Career Milestones

1984: Elected to Texas House of Representatives
1990: Elected Texas Agriculture Commissioner
1998: Elected Lieutenant Governor of Texas
2000: Became Governor of Texas
2002, 2006, 2010: Re-elected Governor
2011: Launched first presidential campaign
2015: Launched second presidential campaign
2017: Confirmed as U.S. Secretary of Energy
2019: Resigned as Energy Secretary
2020: Joined Energy Transfer LP board
2026: Active speaker and advisor on energy policy

Personal Life

Perry married Anita Thigpen, his childhood friend from Haskell County, in 1982. They have two adult children: Griffin, born in 1983, and Sydney, born in 1986. The family attends Tarrytown United Methodist Church in Austin.

Anita Perry has advocated for nursing education and women’s health initiatives. She served as First Lady of Texas for 14 years. The Perrys have several grandchildren as of 2026.

Perry enjoys hunting and fishing at his family ranch in the Texas Hill Country. He runs regularly and has completed several marathons. He reads military history and biographies. The family splits time between Austin and their ranch property.

Family Members

Spouse: Anita Thigpen Perry (married 1982)
Son: Griffin Perry
Daughter: Sydney Perry
Father: Joseph Ray Perry (deceased)
Mother: Amelia June Holt Perry (deceased)
Sister: One sibling

Awards & Achievements

Longest-serving governor in Texas history (14 years)
Air Force Commendation Medal
National Guard Association of Texas Award
Texas A&M University Distinguished Alumnus Award (2001)
Honorary doctorates from multiple institutions
Named one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People (2011)
Energy Transfer board service (2020–present)

Physical Statistics

Height	6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
Weight	~185 lbs (84 kg)
Hair Color	Gray
Eye Color	Blue
Build	Athletic
Shoe Size	11 US

Quotes

“Texas is a state of mind. Texas is an obsession. Above all, Texas is a nation in every sense of the word.”
— Rick Perry

“I’ll work every day to try to make Washington, D.C., as inconsequential in your life as I can.”
— Rick Perry, 2011 presidential announcement

“Energy dominance isn’t just about production. It’s about innovation, security, and American leadership.”
— Rick Perry, 2026 CPAC remarks

Controversies

Perry’s tenure included several controversies. The 2011 “oops” debate moment, where he forgot the Department of Energy while listing agencies to eliminate, became a defining gaffe. Ironically, he later led that department.

In 2014, a Travis County grand jury indicted Perry on abuse of power and coercion charges after he vetoed funding for the Public Integrity Unit following the district attorney’s drunk driving arrest. The charges were ultimately dismissed by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals in 2016.

Critics questioned his 2017–2019 Energy Department travel expenses and meetings with energy executives. His involvement in the 2019 Ukraine pressure campaign drew scrutiny during the Trump impeachment inquiry. Perry maintained he acted appropriately throughout.

Favorites

Book	“The Looming Tower” by Lawrence Wright
Movie	“The Alamo” (1960)
Food	Chicken fried steak, Texas barbecue
Hobby	Hunting, jogging
Sports Team	Texas A&M Aggies, Dallas Cowboys
Vacation Spot	Texas Hill Country ranch

Earnings

Perry’s net worth is estimated at $3–5 million as of 2026. His gubernatorial salary was $150,000 annually. As Energy Secretary, he earned $210,700 per year.

Post-cabinet income includes Energy Transfer LP board compensation, reported at $300,000–$500,000 annually in proxy filings. Advisory roles at Akin Gump and NGP Energy Capital add additional six-figure income. He also earns speaking fees of $30,000–$50,000 per engagement.

Perry’s financial disclosures show assets in mutual funds, retirement accounts, and real estate including his Hill Country ranch. He carries no significant debt. His wealth places him in the upper-middle tier among former cabinet officials.

Interesting Facts

Perry is the only Texas governor to serve three full four-year terms.
He painted “Rick Perry” on his Air Force flight suit with a marker because name tags kept falling off.
Perry once jogged with a coyote carcass to prove a point about predator control.
He vetoed more bills in one session (2001) than any Texas governor since Reconstruction.
Perry’s 2012 campaign raised over $20 million before he withdrew.
He plays the harmonica and performed at a 2011 campaign event.
Perry holds a concealed handgun license and carries regularly.
He appeared on “Dancing with the Stars” Season 23 in 2016, finishing 12th.

Did You Know?

Perry’s first vote was for Jimmy Carter in 1976; he became a Republican in 1989.
He worked as a door-to-door book salesman in Missouri during college summers.
The Perry family ranch has been in the family since the 1800s.
He once challenged a sitting president to a jogging race (George W. Bush declined).
Perry’s 2011 announcement speech drew over 15,000 people in Houston.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Rick Perry in 2026?

Rick Perry is 76 years old in 2026. He was born on March 4, 1950.

What is Rick Perry’s net worth?

Rick Perry’s net worth is estimated between $3 million and $5 million as of 2026. His income comes from board service, advisory roles, speaking fees, and investments.

Is Rick Perry still married?

Yes, Rick Perry has been married to Anita Thigpen Perry since 1982. They have two children and several grandchildren.

What does Rick Perry do now?

As of 2026, Perry serves on the board of Energy Transfer LP, works as a senior advisor for Akin Gump and NGP Energy Capital, speaks at conferences, and advises Republican candidates on energy policy.

Did Rick Perry run for president?

Yes, Rick Perry ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 2012 and 2016. He withdrew before the primaries concluded both times.

Conclusion

Rick Perry’s career spans four decades of Texas and national politics. From West Texas cotton farms to the governor’s mansion and the cabinet room, he shaped energy policy, conservative governance, and Republican politics. In 2026, he remains a voice in energy debates and party strategy.

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