Question: who was the first republican to be elected governor of texas in the 20th century
Answer: 42 Bill Clements April 13 , 1917 -- May 29 , 2011 ( Aged 94 ) January 16 , 1979 -- January 18 , 1983 Republican 1978 15th United States Deputy Secretary of Defense ( 1973 - 1977 ) 43 Mark White March 17 , 1940 -- August 5 , 2017 ( Aged 77 ) January 18 , 1983 -- January 20 , 1987 Democratic 1982 46th Attorney General of Texas ( 1979 - 1983 ) 44 Bill Clements April 13 , 1917 -- May 29 , 2011 ( Aged 94 ) January 20 , 1987 -- January 15 , 1991 Republican 1986 42nd Governor of Texas ( 1979 - 1983 ) 45 Ann Richards September 1 ,