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Harris County commemorated the 30th anniversary of the late Ann Richards becoming Texas governor on Sept. 23.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said that Richards broke open barriers for women and her legacy should be celebrated and remembered.
"Today, we unveiled banners commemorating the 30th anniversary of Ann Richards’ inauguration as Texas governor. Gov. Richards opened the door for women leaders in Texas. Her legacy carries me through tough times, especially when I'm the only woman at a decision table," Hidalgo wrote on Twitter.
Hidalgo was joined by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, along with other local municipal officials, for the celebration at the intersection of downtown Dallas and Austin Streets.
The local government leaders also noted about the 50 banners that will be on display and discuss Gov. Richards’ life and legacy, which were first displayed in downtown Austin last year and can also be seen in the state’s other downtown metro areas of Dallas, Houston and San Antonio.
Richards, a Democrat, was born as Dorothy Ann Willis on Sept. 1, 1933 in the Panhandle town of Lakeview and began her career as a teacher after attending Baylor and the University of Texas.
Richards, who had previously served as Texas state treasurer for eight years, became governor on Jan. 15, 1991 after defeating oilman Clayton Williams in a contentious election.
She was governor in 1990 and served from 1991 to 1995 and joined Miriam "Ma" Ferguson as the only women to hold the office of Texas governor.
During her tenure, she saw the resurgence of the state's monetary fortunes by preaching government efficiency with comprehensive audits of every state agency. Richards introduced site-based management to put more power in the hands of the parents and teachers at the campus level when she focused on education.
Richards was the last Democrat elected to Texas's highest office and was succeeded by future U.S. Pres. George W. Bush, a Republican.