Ross Perot, the self-made billionaire who ran for president twice in the 1990’s, has died. He was 89.
Perot died early Tuesday at his home in Dallas after a battle with leukemia, the Associated Press confirmed.
“In business and in life, Ross was a man of integrity and action,” his family’s statement said. “A true American patriot and a man of rare vision, principle and deep compassion, he touched the lives of countless people through his unwavering support of the military and veterans and through his charitable endeavors. Ross Perot will be deeply missed by all who loved him. He lived a long and honorable life.”
Perot was born in Texarkana, Texas on June 27, 1930. He served in the U.S. Navy before becoming a salesman for IBM. In 1962, he founded Electronic Data System, a data processing service that helped other companies manage computer networks. He later founded and served as the chief executive officer of Perot Systems.
He ran as independent presidential campaign in 1992 against George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton, winning nearly 20% of the popular vote. Perot ran as a third-party candidate in 1996, establishing the Reform Party, campaigning against President Clinton and Republican nominee Bob Dole. His 1992 run marked one of the strongest showings for a third-party or independent candidate.
He is survived by his wife, Margot, his sister, and five children.