ABSTRACT
This chapter analyzes both the limitations and the allure of the office of governor of Texas and the executive branch that he or she—sort of—leads. The Texas Constitution of 1876 created a plural executive of five statewide elected officials: the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, comptroller of public accounts, and land commissioner. Despite the constitutional limitations on the governor’s powers, most Texans assume that the governor is the chief executive and natural leader of Texas state government. Governor James Ferguson, a small town banker, campaigned as “Farmer Jim” to strengthen his connection to rural voters. The chapter explores the structure of the office of governor, the qualifications required to hold the office, and the formal and informal powers of the office. In Texas, the formal powers of the governor are among the weakest in the nation, but Rick Perry was a strong governor and Greg Abbott may come to be strong too.
