Kinky Friedman, Texas Musician and Novelist Who Mounted 2006 Independent Gubernatorial Bid, Dies at 79

Kinky Friedman, a Texas musician, novelist, and humorist who ran one of the more successful independent campaigns for Texas Governor in recent history, died on Thursday, according to a statement from his official X account. Friedman was 79.

“Kinky Friedman stepped on a rainbow at his beloved Echo Hill surrounded by family & friends,” his account shared. “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.”

Known for his satirical country music with The Texas Jewboys and later his mystery novels featuring himself as a private investigator, Friedman was a multi-talented artist with an established presence in both the music and literary worlds. His wit, distinctive voice, and stage presence made him popular among his fans. Friedman later became a columnist at Texas Monthly in 2001, where he continued to retain his unique style.

In 2006, Friedman announced an independent campaign for Texas Governor, running on a platform that included education reform, alternative energy, and reversing cuts to the Children’s Health Insurance Program. He brought on former U.S. Senator from Minnesota and Independence Party leader, Dean Barkley, as a campaign director and courted the public support of other popular independent figures of the era, like former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura. Despite his outsider status, Friedman’s unconventional and candid persona helped him earn 547,674 votes, coming in fourth with 12.5% of the total cast.

That same election cycle, Texas Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn also announced an independent gubernatorial run. Strayhorn, who initially planned to run in the Republican primary, beat Friedman for third, earning 796,851 votes for 18.1% of the total. Along with Libertarian nominee James Warner, who came in fifth, the three candidates earned just over 31% of all votes cast in the race.

Incumbent Republican Governor Rick Perry ultimately won the election with a plurality of just over 39% of votes cast.

No independent or third-party candidate has performed as strongly as Friedman or Strayhorn since the 2006 election cycle. Polling conducted by Survey USA during the election cycle showed that at their collective height in June, the two independent candidates were the combined preferred choice of 40% of Texas voters.