2.  Edmund J. Davis – Republican governor during Reconstruction and was forced out of office in 1874. Last Republican Governor for 100 years.  Republican party was heavily supported by ex-slaves and Democratic Party stayed in power throughout the state.  Democrats at that time were conservative in Texas.

3. John Tower Senate – 1960 against LBJ. LBJ – VP and Tower wins as a Republican in special election. Re-elected in 1966 to full term. First statewide Republican to elective office in Texas since Edmund Davis.

4. 1978 – Bill Clements is elected to Governor in Texas as a Republican. First Republican Governor of Texas since Edmund Davis. Lost in 1982 but built a strong Republican organization in Texas for first time.

5. Democratic Congressman who resigns and joins the Republican Party. Runs for and wins John Tower’s Senate seat when Tower resigns. Begins the all Republican reign of Texas.

6.  Texas was always a conservative state even when it was run by the Democrats.  As the country changed, more and more Democrats saw their conservative values better reflected in the Republican party.  As Texas’ population grew and diversified, more citizens were willing to vote Republican.  Now – Texas State Government is completely dominated by the Republican party.