Kent Hance

Kent R. Hance is a former U.S. Representative who served Texas's 19th congressional district from 1979 to 1985. A member of the Democratic Party during his time in office, Hance is notable for being the only individual to defeat George W. Bush in an election, achieving this milestone in the 1978 congressional race. After his congressional tenure, Hance transitioned to the Republican Party and later pursued gubernatorial aspirations in Texas. He has also held significant roles in academia, including serving as Chancellor of the Texas Tech University System.

Early life and career

Kent Ronald Hance was born on November 14, 1942. He completed his undergraduate education at Texas Tech University, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in finance in 1965. During his time at Texas Tech, Hance was actively involved in student organizations, serving as president of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity and as vice-president of the Student Government Association. He was also a member of the Saddle Tramps, a student spirit organization.

Following his undergraduate studies, Hance attended the University of Texas School of Law. While pursuing his law degree, he demonstrated leadership skills by serving as president of the Student Bar Association and was recognized with the Counsel Award for his achievements. After graduating from law school, he was admitted to the Texas bar and began practicing law in Lubbock, Texas, in 1968. In addition to his legal practice, Hance served as a law professor at Texas Tech from 1968 until 1973, contributing to the education of future lawyers.

Hance's political career began in earnest when he ran for the Texas Senate in 1974. He successfully defeated the incumbent, H.J. "Doc" Blanchard, in the primary election. Despite initial challenges in his campaign, Hance connected with voters across the expansive West Texas district, which ultimately led to his election to the state senate. He served in this capacity from 1975 until 1979, gaining valuable legislative experience that would later inform his work in Congress.

House tenure

In 1978, Hance won the Democratic primary nomination for Texas's 19th congressional district, a seat that had been held by the popular Democrat George H. Mahon since its inception. The district, which included Lubbock and parts of the Permian Basin, had a history of conservative representation, and Hance faced a formidable opponent in George W. Bush, who was the Republican nominee. Hance's campaign successfully capitalized on local sentiments, and he won the election by a margin of seven points, marking a significant political moment as it was the only time Bush was defeated in an election.

Hance served three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1979 until 1985. During his tenure, he was part of a group of conservative Democrats known as the "boll weevils." This faction often aligned with Republican initiatives, particularly during the presidency of Ronald Reagan. Hance supported Reagan's tax cuts, which were among the largest in U.S. history at that time. His voting record was notably conservative, earning him a lifetime rating of 72 from the American Conservative Union, which was quite high for a Texas Democrat.

In 1984, Hance opted not to seek a fourth term in the House. Instead, he pursued the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by the retiring John Tower. His announcement came shortly after Tower's decision to step down. In a competitive primary, Hance advanced to a runoff against State Senator Lloyd Doggett. The race was closely contested, and Hance lost by a narrow margin of just over a thousand votes. This defeat was significant, as it highlighted the geographical challenges faced by candidates from West Texas in statewide elections.

Following his Senate bid, Hance endorsed Don R. Richards, one of his aides, in the Democratic primary for his congressional seat. Richards won the nomination but was ultimately defeated in the general election by Larry Combest, a Republican. The election results indicated a shift in the district's political landscape, as Richards garnered only a modest percentage of the vote, reflecting the increasing Republican dominance in the area.

Legislative focus and committees

During his time in Congress, Hance's legislative focus was shaped by the interests of his constituents in West Texas, as well as his own political beliefs. As a member of the House, he participated in various committees and legislative initiatives that aligned with his conservative Democratic stance. His alignment with President Reagan's policies positioned him as a key player in discussions surrounding fiscal policy, particularly in relation to tax legislation.

Hance's tenure in the House was marked by his ability to navigate the complexities of a changing political landscape in Texas. While he was a member of the Democratic Party, his conservative voting record and alliances with Republican leadership allowed him to maintain influence within the House. His role as a "boll weevil" placed him in a unique position to advocate for policies that resonated with both conservative Democrats and Republicans.

After leaving Congress, Hance continued to be active in public life, transitioning into roles that included lobbying and legal practice. He later became the Chancellor of the Texas Tech University System, overseeing multiple institutions within the system, including Texas Tech University and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. His contributions to education and public service have been recognized through various awards, including the Texas Tech Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Award and the John F. Lott Distinguished Citizen Award from the Boy Scouts of America.

Hance's legacy is multifaceted, encompassing his political career, contributions to education, and ongoing involvement in civic matters. His unique position as a former Democratic congressman who later aligned with the Republican Party reflects the evolving political dynamics in Texas and the broader United States during the late 20th century.