Ramsey Muñiz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ramsey Muñiz
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Muñiz in 1976
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Ramiro Muñiz
December 13, 1942 Corpus Christi, Texas, U.S.
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| Died | October 2, 2022 (aged 79) Corpus Christi, Texas, U.S.
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| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Baylor University Baylor University Law School |
| Occupation | Lawyer (disbarred) |
| Political party | Mexican American Youth Organization (1969) Raza Unida Party (1972) |
| Spouse(s) | Irma L. Muñiz |
Ramiro Muñiz, known as Ramsey Muñiz (December 13, 1942 – October 2, 2022), was an American political activist. He was a Mexican American who ran for governor of Texas in 1972 and 1974. He was the candidate for the Raza Unida Party. Muñiz lost both elections to Dolph Briscoe. Briscoe was a Democrat and a wealthy banker. Ramsey Muñiz was the first Hispanic person to have his name on a Texas governor's election ballot.
Early Life and Education
Ramsey Muñiz was born in Corpus Christi, Texas. He was one of five children. His parents were Rudy G. and Hilda Muñiz. As a boy, he worked many jobs to help his family.
Even in junior high school, Muñiz worked for fairness. He helped get equal representation for minority students at Miller High School. He was a football player. Once, he organized a protest to support the first African American student who wanted to join the cheerleading team.
Muñiz earned a scholarship to attend Baylor University in Waco, Texas. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1967. In 1971, he earned his law degree from Baylor Law School. He worked as an assistant coach to help pay for his studies. While in law school, Muñiz joined the Mexican American Youth Organization. This group was also known as MAYO.
Political Journey
Ramsey Muñiz often spoke at colleges and universities. He visited places like Texas A&M University - Kingsville and Harvard University. He encouraged people to think about political, social, and spiritual ideas.
In 1972, Muñiz ran for governor of Texas. He was 29 years old at the time. He was the candidate for the La Raza Unida Party. This party focused on issues important to Hispanic people. His running mate for lieutenant governor was Alma Canales. She was a farmworker and student.
Muñiz ran against Dolph Briscoe, a Democrat, and Henry C. Grover, a Republican. Even though he did not win, Muñiz believed his campaign helped Mexican Americans. It gave them a strong political voice. He ran for governor again in 1974 but lost to Briscoe once more.
Later Life
Later in his life, Ramsey Muñiz faced legal challenges. He spent time in a federal prison. This event had a big impact on the Raza Unida Party.
Ramsey Muñiz was released from prison in December 2018. This was due to compassionate reasons. He passed away on October 2, 2022. He died from health problems related to myasthenia gravis.
Images for kids
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Ramsey Muñiz in 1976
