Slideshow: When Rick Perry was a Democrat
![State Rep. Robert Earley (D-Portland) and Rep. Rick Perry on the floor of the House during the 69th Legislative session, May 15, 1985.](https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/3IkiveXYQHG3KGdM8KAkmXhpzTA=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/TxTrib_PerryEarley.jpg)
It may be hard to believe now, but Gov. Rick Perry got his start in politics as a Democrat, representing Haskell in the Texas House from 1985-1991. Photos in the slideshow below include Perry with other members who became long-time friends, including Ric Williamson of Weatherford, Cliff Johnson of Palestine, Gwyn Shea of Irving and Mike McKinny of Centerville.
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