Praying On the Presidency?

Rick Perry's reign over Texas is finally ending: His future? Only one powerful being knows

Rick Perry billed his Monday press conference as one that would reveal "exciting future plans" for the longest-serving Texas governor, but the revelation wasn't so much plans as . . . lack of them.

"I remain excited about the future and the challenges ahead, but the time has come to pass on the mantle of leadership. Today I am announcing I will not seek re-election as governor of Texas," said Perry, who selected a San Antonio Caterpillar equipment dealership owned by major donor Peter Holt as the backdrop for his declaration — the same spot where he announced his third term reelection bid in 2009.

"I will spend the next 18 months working to create more jobs, opportunity and innovation. I will actively lead this great state," Perry continued, pointing to job growth and sustained state revenue as proof that "Texas works."

As for what the future holds, the longest-serving governor in Texas history (Perry has been in office since December 2000) held his cards tight. "Any future considerations I will announce in due time," he said, acknowledging that he would "pray and reflect and work to determine [his] future path."

This step-down allows the first open race for the governorship — a position that Perry called "the greatest job in modern politics" — since 1990. Some speculate that Attorney General Greg Abbott is the favorite to replace him in January 2015.

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Austin restaurant chain bowls over River Oaks and more popular stories

Photo by Becca Wright

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Editor's note: It's time to look back at the top Houston news of the week, including restaurant openings and a major acquisition for MFAH. Plus, where to celebrate New Year's Eve in Houston. Catch up on our most popular stories below, then visit this guide to the best Christmas weekend events.

1. Meet the men behind River Oaks' new destination for bowls and broth. On this episode of “What’s Eric Eating,” Honest Mary’s founder Nelson Monteith and COO Andrew Wiseheart joined CultureMap editor Eric Sandler to discuss the Austin-based restaurant that just opened its first Houston location in the River Oaks Shopping Center.

2. Houston's only Michelin-recognized Tex-Mex restaurant now open in Bellaire. It didn’t take Sambrooks Hospitality Group long to turn Mandito’s into Candente. First announced in September, the restaurant’s second location officially opened December 22.

3. 25 Houston restaurants celebrating New Year's Eve with caviar, bubbles, and more. Houston restaurants are ringing in the new year with indulgent menus featuring caviar, lobster, and steak, along with plenty of bubbly.

4. Houston museum acquires historic Masonic lodge property for new greenspace. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston has acquired a prime parcel to expand its campus in the Museum District.

Holland Lodge masonic building The building at 4911 will be torn down for the new greenspace. Holland Lodge No. 1, A.F. & A.M./Facebook

5. Houston's richest residents, best suburbs, and more top city news in 2025. As 2025 comes to a close, we're looking back at the stories that defined Houston this year. These are the City Life stories that captured Houston's attention.