Political leaders have played an essential part to the development of Texas government since the early days of Texas. Texas political leaders have impacted government in the state and far beyond its borders. During the Republic of Texas, there were three presidents who made an impact on Texas government. Click on the images below to learn more about each individual and their impact on Texas history.

Source: Stephen F. Austin, Maksim, Wikimedia

Source: lamar-01, Texas State Library and Archives Commission

Source: Jones, Texas State Library and Archives Commission

Governors led the state after Texas gained statehood in 1845. Each of Texas’ governors impacted the state in some way. Click on the Texas Capitol Rotunda to get started and learn more about the selected governors of Texas.

Click the link below to learn more about the Texas Governor’s Mansion.

Texas Governor's Mansion Timeline

Click the link below to learn more about each Texas governor.

Governors of Texas

Other Texas leaders have served in other political roles in Texas and the federal government. Many political leaders started their careers as mayors of Texas cities. Read below to learn more about important mayors of Texas.

Raymond Telles, Jr.	Ron Kirk	Carole Keeton Strayhorn	Annise Parker
Source: Telles, University of Texas at El Paso	Source: Ron Kirk official portrait, Gage, Wikimedia	Source: , Carole Keeton Strayhorn, Gentry Harris, Wikimedia	Source: Mayor Parker 150x225, The City of Houston
First Mexican-American mayor of El Paso and the first Mexican-American mayor of a major U.S. city	First African-American mayor of Dallas	First female mayor of Austin	Second female mayor of Houston and one of the first openly gay mayors of a major U.S. city

There have been many Texans who have walked the halls of federal buildings in Washington D.C. Whether they are elected or appointed; these Texans have worked hard to represent Texas in national affairs.

A few people who call Texas home have served as President of the United States. Click on the symbols in the oval office to learn more about these presidents.

Activity

Political leaders from Texas have made an impact at various levels of government (local, state, and federal). Read the names of the selected leaders that appear below and click on the correct level of government which the leader served. (Hint: Some leaders have served at more than one level).