Bio
H. Ross Perot (1930–2019) was an American businessman, philanthropist, and political figure best known for his two independent bids for the U.S. presidency in 1992 and 1996. Born in Texarkana, Texas, Perot attended the U.S. Naval Academy, where he graduated in 1953. After serving in the Navy, he began a career in sales at IBM. In 1962, Perot founded Electronic Data Systems (EDS), a rapidly growing data processing company and became a pioneer in the technology services industry. In 1984, General Motors purchased EDS, making Perot one of the wealthiest men in America.
Perot entered the national political scene in 1992, running as an independent presidential candidate. His campaign, centered on fiscal responsibility, reducing the national deficit, and reforming government, resonated with voters frustrated by the two-party system. Perot gained significant support, particularly through televised infomercials that explained his policies in detail. He ultimately captured nearly 19% of the popular vote, the most for a third-party candidate since Theodore Roosevelt’s 1912 run.
In 1996, Perot ran again, this time under the banner of the Reform Party, which he helped establish. Although his impact was less significant than in 1992, he advocated for balanced budgets and political reform.
Outside of politics, Perot was known for his philanthropic efforts, supporting education, healthcare, and veterans’ causes. He also gained recognition for his role in rescuing EDS employees held hostage during the 1979 Iranian Revolution. H. Ross Perot passed away in 2019, leaving a legacy as a maverick businessman and political disruptor.
