A native Texan, proud veteran, successful businessman, and rancher, Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst is the recipient of the 2009 Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame’s Western Heritage Award. This award honors the lifestyle that underpins rodeo and the American cowboy. It is given to a Texan who exemplifies the rugged, independent spirit of the rodeo cowboy and has enhanced and promoted the positive image of rodeo and the American West through music, movies, or another venue.
Lieutenant Governor Dewhurst meets the high standards of this award in several areas. Not only does Dewhurst represent the spirit of the cowboy, but he has also competed in rodeo as a team roper. He competes in cutting horse events sanctioned by the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) and the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA). As a cutting horse competitor, he was co-champion in the 2007 Futurity-Senior Division. In 2006, he was ranked 13th in the world standings in the $10,000 novice non-pro division, and in 2007, he was ranked 16th in the $50,000 amateur division.
Active in a leadership role in all facets of his life, Dewhurst serves as an honorary vice president of the AQHA. He is active in agriculture and raises registered Black Angus cattle on his ranches.
Lieutenant Governor Dewhurst was not raised on a ranch, having grown up in Houston. He earned his B.A. degree from the University of Arizona, where he played college basketball. Dewhurst served as an officer in the United States Air Force, the Central Intelligence Agency, and the U.S. State Department. He began his business career in the mid-1970s, founding Falcon Seaboard, a Texas-based diversified energy and investments company.
He entered the political arena in 1998 when he ran for and was elected Texas Land Commissioner. He held that post until 2002 when he ran for and was elected Lieutenant Governor of Texas.
Dewhurst has been recognized by several organizations for his contributions, hard work, and dedication to the people of Texas. He was named a “Champion of Free Enterprise” by the Texas Association of Business for 2003-2004, a “Watchdog of the Treasury” for 2003-2004, and a “Friend of Education” for 2004-2005 by the Texas Classroom Teachers Association.
