Hardin Richard Runnels (August 30, 1820 – December 25, 1873) was an American politician. He was the sixth governor of Texas for one term and notably was the only person to ever defeat Sam Houston in a political contest. Houston defeated him two years later.
Early life
Runnels was born to Martha "Patsy" Burch (Darden) and Hardin D. Runnels on August 30, 1820 in Mississippi. His father died in 1842, and his mother moved the family to Texas the same year. There Runnels established a cotton plantation in Bowie County along the Red River.
Elected to represent Bowie County in the Texas House of Representatives in 1847, Runnels remained a member of the state legislature through 1854.
Later life
After leaving office, Runnels returned to his home and never again ran for elected office.