Lieutenant Governors of Texas Archives | Texapedia

20th Century History Biography

Bill Hobby: Texas’ Longest-Serving Lieutenant Governor

William P. Hobby Jr., son of a Democrat governor and a Republican cabinet member, led the Texas Senate for 18 years.

Texapedia StaffJuly 27, 2025

20th Century History Biography

Powerbroker of the 1990s: Texas Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock

Once profiled as "The Man Who Ran Texas," Bullock held the reins of the state during the transition from Democratic to Republican Party rule.

Texapedia StaffJuly 28, 2025

Lieutenant Governor Texas Dan Patrick Senate C

Biography

Biography of Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick

Biography of the 42nd lieutenant governor of Texas

Texapedia StaffNovember 20, 2022

Annexation and Statehood (1845-1860)Biography Governors of Texas The Civil War

Governor H.R. Runnels: Arch-Secessionist and Rival of Sam Houston

A leader of Texas' antebellum planter class, Hardin Runnels made slavery the centerpiece of his campaign for governor in 1857.

Texapedia StaffAugust 1, 2025

20th Century History Biography Governors of Texas

Governor Allan Shivers and the Fight to Preserve Segregation

Biography of the governor of Texas from 1949 to 1957, who clashed with the federal government over racial segregation laws and offshore oil revenues. Learn about his role in shaping mid-20th century Texas politics.

Texapedia StaffJuly 5, 2025

20th Century History Biography Governors of Texas

Coke Stevenson: Texas Governor During the Second World War

A veteran legislator and businesslike administrator, Coke Stevenson began his governorship just four months before Pearl Harbor.

Texapedia StaffJuly 14, 2025

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The basic nature of humanity is unchanging through the ages. Politics changes, technology, the economy, the environment, culture—all change. Yet humankind tends to repeat the same follies and to forget hard-learned lessons, age after age. For this reason, the ancient book of wisdom known as Ecclesiastes observed, "What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun. Is there a thing of which it is said, 'See, this is new'? It has been already in the ages before us. There is no remembrance of former things, nor will there be any remembrance of later things yet to be among those who come after” (Eccl. 1:9-11, ESV).

The study of history reminds us of the pitfalls, challenges, and triumphs of our forebears. It is not always a happy story (“All things are full of weariness," Eccles. 1:8), but it is a worthy pursuit for those seeking wisdom. History gives us not only knowledge of the past but also understanding of the present age: how it came to be, the forces that have shaped it, and insights into the nature of humanity itself.

As you explore Texas history, we invite you to imagine yourself living in another age. Try to picture yourself in the shoes of different people—leaders and common folks alike. This is how history becomes more than a ledger of events; its telling and retelling invite us to reflect, imagine, and grow.

There is no single “correct” way to read or write history. Yet beware of idealized versions of the past—simplistic, black-and-white narratives with distinct ‘good guys’ and ‘bad guys,’ often crafted for political ends. Such histories are easy to grasp and may feel morally compelling. But wisdom doesn’t necessarily come from reading history in a simple, idealized way. Instead, try grappling with nuance, search out details, ask probing questions, and consider perspectives that may not align with your own.

History need not be boring. At its best, it is a discipline that sharpens the mind, cultivates empathy, and helps us to know ourselves more deeply.

— Texapedia Staff

Texapedia is not affiliated with any political party, and the articles on this site are written in an encyclopedic tone. Yet a project like this is inherently political in a broader sense: it deals with government and civic life, and our stated mission is to equip citizens with knowledge to “reform what is lacking in their government while conserving what is good about it.”

This sounds simple enough, since we live in an age of abundant knowledge: search engines, AI chatbots, and digital repositories can provide us with reams of information on almost any topic in an instant. Yet many Americans are too distracted to take in any of it. Ours is also an age of addictive social media, viral outrage, and “bingeworthy” entertainment.

There is also a crisis of authority. Americans no longer know who to trust, what information is reliable, and how to separate noise from substance in public discourse. The information environment is chaotic and disputatious. Information is rarely presented in coherent, organized ways that provide context and detail. Instead, many Americans learn about the world around them through TikTok, Instagram reels, 100-word tweets, or cable news sound bites. The nation is more politicized than ever—yet less connected, less communal, less trusting.

Here at Texapedia, we look on these developments with concern. You can read more of our perspective in the essay Toward Civic Renewal: Recovering Sobriety in a Frivolous Age.

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