Mark White, born on March 17, 1940 in Texas, was a prominent Democratic politician who made his mark on Texas politics in the 1980s. He earned his J.D. from Baylor Law School in 1965 and also served in the Texas National Guard. This early experience in law and military service would shape White's career in public service.
White served as the 74th Secretary of State of Texas from 1973 to 1977, where he gained valuable experience in diplomacy and state governance. He then went on to become the 46th Attorney General of Texas, before successfully running for Governor in 1982.
As Governor, White focused on improving education in Texas, implementing educational reforms such as the 'No Pass, No Play' policy, which required students to pass their courses in order to participate in extracurricular activities. He also worked towards improving the state's economy and infrastructure, with a focus on creating jobs and attracting new businesses to Texas.
Mark White was married to Linda Gale Thompson and together they had two sons and a daughter. His family life played an important role in shaping his values and priorities as a politician. He was known for his dedication to his family and his commitment to serving the people of Texas.
White's time as Governor of Texas was marked by his dedication to public service and his efforts to improve the lives of the people of Texas. He was succeeded by Bill Clements as Governor in 1987, but his legacy lived on in the policies and reforms he implemented during his time in office.
Mark White passed away on August 5, 2017, but his legacy continues to inspire future generations of Texas politicians and leaders.