Preston Smith

Preston Smith portrait

Preston Smith

U.S.A.

Party Democrat
Latest Campaign State Governor
Date of Birth March 8, 1912
Date of Death Oct. 18, 2003 (Age: 91)
Overall Community Sentiment: Neutral

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Overview
Community
Data
Personal Background

Preston Smith was born in Corn Hill, Williamson County, Texas, and graduated from Lamesa High School. He earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Texas Technological College. Smith founded a movie theater business and invested in real estate before entering politics. He served in the Texas House of Representatives and the Texas State Senate, eventually becoming lieutenant governor and governor of Texas. Smith's tenure as governor was marked by a significant inauguration event and later marred by his involvement in the Sharpstown scandal.

Political Ideas

Preston Smith's political career reveals a complex blend of regionalism and business pragmatism, underscored by the Sharpstown scandal. His involvement in the scandal juxtaposes his advocacy for business-friendly policies and real estate investments, raising questions about the ethical underpinnings of his economic approach. Smith's tenure in education policy, highlighted by his role as chair of the Higher Education Coordinating Board, suggests a nuanced commitment to public service, despite his controversial political history.

Campaigns
1978: Texas State Governor

Election History

Texas Governor 1978, Democrat Primary

92,202 votes (5.19%)

Loss

Winner: John Luke Hill

1972: Texas State Governor

Election History

Texas Governor 1972, Democrat Primary

190,709 votes (8.70%)

Loss

Winner: Frances Farenthold, Dolph Briscoe

1970: Texas State Governor
ELECTED

Election History

General election results

1,232,506 votes (53.43%)

Win

Texas Governor 1970, Democrat Primary

1,011,300 votes (100.00%)

Win
1968: Texas State Governor
ELECTED

Election History

General election results

1,662,019 votes (56.99%)

Win