Miriam A. Ferguson made history in 1924 as Texas’s first female governor, rising to power after her husband, former Governor James E. Ferguson, was impeached. Running on the campaign slogan “Me for Ma,” she positioned herself as a political extension of her husband. Her tenure was marked by corruption allegations, extensive use of gubernatorial pardons, and economic challenges, yet she won re-election in 1932.
Early Years and Educational Foundation
Miriam “Ma” Ferguson’s early life in Bell County, Texas, laid the foundation for her unexpected rise in politics. She pursued studies at Salado College and Baylor Female College in the 1890s, though she had no initial political ambitions. Her marriage to lawyer James Edward Ferguson at age 24 further anchored her within Texas society. Raising two daughters, Ouida and Dorrace, she devoted herself to family life before circumstances propelled her into the political spotlight.
These formative years provided the resilience and experience that would shape her historic career. She received her formative education at a Bell County prep school before advancing to higher studies.
From First Lady to Political Candidate
Miriam Ferguson’s unexpected rise from First Lady to Texas’s first female governor was a testament to her adaptability and political acumen. When her husband, James Ferguson, was barred from seeking office in 1924, she stepped forward as his political proxy, launching a campaign that balanced tradition with reform.
Her slogan, “Me for Ma, and I Ain’t Got a Durned Thing Against Pa,” reassured voters of continuity while asserting her independence. A key aspect of her platform was a strong opposition to the Ku Klux Klan, a stance that set her apart in a politically turbulent era. Her victory not only secured her place in history but also positioned her as a pioneering figure in women’s political leadership. Her leadership helped shape an era when Texas, Our Texas was officially adopted as the state song in 1929.
Breaking Barriers
The 1924 Texas gubernatorial campaign was a pivotal moment in American politics, as Miriam “Ma” Ferguson faced Republican George C. Butte while navigating gender expectations and her husband’s controversial past. Her slogan, “Me for Ma, and I Ain’t Got a Durned Thing Against Pa,” strategically reinforced her independence while acknowledging James Ferguson’s political influence. Her victory not only secured her place in history but also signaled a shift in the role of women in Texas politics.
Much like Anson Jones’s diplomatic role as Secretary of State had shaped Texas’s political landscape decades earlier, Ferguson’s campaign would prove transformative for the state’s governance. Despite the era’s prejudices against women in politics, Ferguson’s victory made her Texas’s first female governor and only the second woman elected to lead a U.S. state. However, her triumph came with strings attached – her campaign’s success relied heavily on voters’ connection to her impeached husband, foreshadowing the political tensions that would define her first term.
First Term Challenges and Controversies
Numerous political storms erupted during Miriam Ferguson’s pioneering first term as Texas governor from 1924-1926. Her administration was quickly mired in controversy, facing intense political criticism over alleged corruption in her handling of pardons, paroles, and road contracts.
Despite her campaign pledge to slash $15 million from the state budget, she struggled with budgetary mismanagement, as state spending actually increased during her tenure. While she successfully pushed through an anti-mask law targeting the Ku Klux Klan, the courts later struck down this legislation.
Though she survived an impeachment threat, the mounting controversies ultimately proved too detrimental. By 1926, her political capital had eroded profoundly, leading to her defeat in the Democratic nomination by Dan Moody, highlighting the unique challenges she faced as Texas’s first female governor. Her term came during a transformative period in Texas history, almost a century after the state had declared its political independence from Mexico through the Convention of 1836.
The Return to Power: Second Governorship
After six years away from office, Miriam Ferguson staged an extraordinary political comeback in 1932, defeating Republican Orville Bullington to reclaim Texas’s governorship during the Great Depression.
Her second term marked by conservative fiscal policies, as she pushed for state sales and corporate income taxes to address economic challenges. While allegations surfaced about highway contracts favoring advertisers in the Fergusons’ newspaper, a House committee found no evidence of wrongdoing.
In addressing public security issues, Ferguson made bold moves by dismissing all Texas Rangers and reducing their funding. She brought in Chicago consultants to overhaul the state’s security system. Though she personally abstained from alcohol, she supported the “wet” position on prohibition and left her mark on education by establishing the University of Houston as a four-year institution.
Policy Impact and Legislative Legacy
While Miriam Ferguson’s governorship sparked controversy, her policy decisions had a lasting impact on Texas institutions. Her administration supported the expansion of the University of Houston, which later became a four-year institution. In criminal justice, her frequent use of pardons and paroles led to a 1936 constitutional amendment limiting gubernatorial clemency powers.
Altough she advocated for new revenue sources during the Great Depression, she did not implement a state sales or corporate income tax. Her administration also contributed to labor law advancements, reinforcing workplace protections in Texas.
Historical Significance in Texas Politics
Miriam “Ma” Ferguson’s election as Texas’s first female governor in 1924 reshaped the state’s political landscape, breaking barriers for women in government. Her political resilience remained evident through multiple gubernatorial campaigns, including a successful second term in 1932 and unsuccessful bids in 1928, 1930, and 1940.
While her tenure was marred by allegations of corruption and controversial pardons, Ferguson’s impact on Texas politics endured, proving that women could compete and lead at the highest levels of state government.
Conclusion
Miriam A. Ferguson’s rise to power marked a groundbreaking moment in Texas history, shattering gender barriers and redefining the role of women in politics. While her governorships were marred by controversy, including allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement, her leadership left a lasting imprint on Texas’s political landscape.
Her persistence in running multiple campaigns demonstrated her enduring influence, and her tenure contributed to key institutional changes, from education to criminal justice reform.
