[2][3] Rick Perry is the longest-serving governor, having assumed the governorship in 2000 upon the exit of George W. Bush, who resigned to take office as the 43rd president of the United States.

Bill Clements served two non-consecutive four-year terms, having been elected in 1978 but lost re-election in 1982 before winning re-election in 1986, choosing to retire in 1990, previously held the record as the second longest-serving governor: both of Shivers and Clements' records were surpassed by Perry.

He is currently seeking re-election to an unprecedented fourth term in 2026, which if completed, by January 21, 2031, will make him the state's longest-serving governor, surpassing Perry's 14 years.

[5] The 1861 constitution, following secession from the Union, established the first Monday of November following election as the term's start.

"[7] The constitution of 1869, enacted during Reconstruction, removed term limitations,[8] to this day making Texas one of sixteen states, territory or jurisdiction (including the U.S.