Tony Garza facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tony Garza
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| United States Ambassador to Mexico | |
| In office November 22, 2002 – January 20, 2009 |
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| President | George W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Jeffrey Davidow |
| Succeeded by | Carlos Pascual |
| Railroad Commissioner of Texas | |
| In office January 4, 1999 – November 18, 2002 |
|
| Governor | George W. Bush Rick Perry |
| Preceded by | Barry Williamson |
| Succeeded by | Victor Carrillo |
| 98th Secretary of State of Texas | |
| In office January 17, 1995 – December 31, 1997 |
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| Governor | George W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Ron Kirk |
| Succeeded by | Alberto Gonzales |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Antonio Oscar Garza Jr.
July 7, 1959 Brownsville, Texas, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouses |
Liz Beightler
(m. 2012) |
| Education | University of Texas at Austin (BA) Southern Methodist University (JD) |
Antonio Oscar "Tony" Garza Jr. (born July 7, 1959) is an American lawyer and diplomat. He served as the United States Ambassador to Mexico from 2002 to 2009. During this time, George W. Bush was the U.S. President.
For his important work, Mexico gave him the Águila Azteca award in 2009. This is the highest honor Mexico gives to people from other countries. Before becoming an ambassador, Garza was the Secretary of State of Texas. He also led the Texas Railroad Commission.
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Tony Garza's Early Life and School
Tony Garza was born in Brownsville, Texas. His father owned a gasoline station. His grandparents had moved to the United States from Mexico.
Education and College Years
Garza went to the University of Texas at Austin. He earned his business degree there in 1980. Later, he studied law at Southern Methodist University School of Law. He finished his law degree in 1983.
Tony Garza's Career Journey
After becoming a lawyer, Tony Garza started his public service. He became a judge in Cameron County in 1988.
Serving Texas State Government
From January 1995 to November 1997, Garza was the Texas Secretary of State. This job involves managing state records and elections. Later, he was elected to the Texas Railroad Commission. This group oversees the oil and gas industry in Texas. He also served as its chairman.
Becoming U.S. Ambassador to Mexico
In 2002, Tony Garza was chosen to be the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico. An ambassador is a country's top representative in another country. He held this important role until 2009.
In 2009, Mexico honored him with the Águila Azteca award. This award recognized his efforts to make the relationship between Mexico and the United States stronger. After his time as ambassador, he joined a law firm called White & Case LLP. He also became chairman of a company called Vianovo Ventures.
Tony Garza's Family Life
Tony Garza married María Asunción Aramburuzabala. They later divorced in May 2010. He then married Dr. Liz Beightler.
