Former Texas Governor Hopeful Kinky Friedman Dies at 79

MEDINA, TX — Richard “Kinky” Friedman, a Texas musician and author who ran a memorable campaign for governor in 2006, died at his home in Medina on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. He was 79.

Friedman wore many hats throughout his life — as a satirical country music artist, a detective novelist and a columnist for Texas Monthly —  but he is perhaps best remembered for running for governor 18 years ago as an independent against Rick Perry.

Friedman captured the media's attention with his colorful personality and campaign slogans like, ‘Why the hell not?’, but he ultimately finished fourth in the six-person race, garnering 12.6% of the vote.

Friedman also ran for Justice of the Peace in Kerrville as a Republican in 1986 but lost the election. He was later unsuccessful in bids for the Democratic nomination for agriculture commissioner in 2010 and 2014.

Friedman released 18 music albums from 1973 to 2018. He also wrote 20 novels from 1986 to 2006.

“Kinky Friedman stepped on a rainbow at his beloved Echo Hill surrounded by family & friends,” stated a post from Friedman’s account on the social media site, X. “Kinkster endured tremendous pain & unthinkable loss in recent years but he never lost his fighting spirit and quick wit. Kinky will live on as his books are read and his songs are sung.”