Ross Perot, Former Independent Presidential Candidate, Dead at 89
Ross Perot, the Texas billionaire businessman who famously ran for President of the United States twice as an independent, has died. He was 89.
Perot’s passing after battling leukemia for five months was confirmed to the Associated Press by family rep James Fuller.
Perot, a Korean War veteran, was an early tech entrepreneur and founded Electronic Data Systems in 1962 “with $1,000 he had in savings,” according to CNBC. He would then go on to found Perot Systems, and information technology services provider, in 1988.
While he was known in the business world, he gained national attention when he ran as an independent candidate for President of the United States in 1992 and 1996. During the 1992 election, Perot received 19 percent of the popular vote, which according to The Hill, many pundits credit with helping Bill Clinton secure victory.
Perot would go on to endorse George W. Bush in the 2000 presidential election. The former President issued the following statement to NBC News on Perot’s passing:
“Ross Perot epitomized the entrepreneurial spirit and the American creed. He gave selflessly of his time and resources to help others in our community, across our country, and around the world. He loved the U.S. military and supported our service members and veterans. Most importantly, he loved his dear wife, children, and grandchildren. Laura and I send our heartfelt condolences to the entire Perot family as they celebrate a full life.”
