John Connally American politician Date of Birth: 27.02.1917 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Military Service
2. Political Career in Texas
3. Governorship of Texas
4. Assassination of President Kennedy
5. Cabinet Secretary Under Nixon
6. Presidential Candidate
7. Post-Political Career

Early Life and Military Service

John Bowden Connally Jr. was born on February 27, 1917, in Floresville, Texas, to John Bowden Connally Sr. and Lela Wright. He grew up in a modest family with seven siblings. Connally attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a law degree in 1941.

During World War II, Connally served in the US Navy, rising to the rank of lieutenant commander by the time of his discharge in 1946.

Political Career in Texas

Connally's political career began in 1949 when he was appointed by Governor Allan Shivers as a member of the Texas Railroad Commission. He served as Chairman of the Commission from 1953 to 1957.

In 1961, upon the recommendation of President Lyndon Johnson, President John F. Kennedy appointed Connally as Secretary of the Navy. He served in this role for 11 months before resigning to run for Governor of Texas.

Governorship of Texas

Connally was elected Governor of Texas in 1962, defeating incumbent Governor Price Daniel. He served as Governor from 1963 to 1969. During his tenure, he oversaw the HemisFair '68 world's fair in San Antonio, which attracted over 6 million visitors.

Assassination of President Kennedy

On November 22, 1963, Connally was riding in the motorcade with President Kennedy when he was shot and seriously wounded. The Warren Commission concluded that Connally was struck by the same bullet that killed President Kennedy.

Cabinet Secretary Under Nixon

In 1971, President Richard Nixon appointed Connally as Secretary of the Treasury. Connally accepted the position on the condition that George H.W. Bush be given a cabinet role as well. Connally served as Secretary of the Treasury until 1972.

Presidential Candidate

In 1979, Connally declared his candidacy for President of the United States as a Republican. He was considered a leading contender, but he was ultimately defeated by Ronald Reagan in the primary election.

Post-Political Career

After his unsuccessful presidential campaign, Connally remained active in public life. He met with Saddam Hussein in 1990 to negotiate the release of American hostages. He died on June 15, 1993, at the age of 76.