Tom DeLay Papers

Collection

Identifier: 2006-013

Staff Only

The Tom DeLay Papers consist of 142 boxes of material dating from 1982 to 2006 that document DeLay’s service in the United States House of Representatives. A Congressional Papers Series comprises a large portion of the collection, containing correspondence, publications, legislative materials, notes, research materials, and other materials related to DeLay’s service in Congress. The collection also includes a robust photographs and audiovisual materials series, visually documenting DeLay’s Congressional career through photographs and videos of appearances, speeches, and events, often with other legislators, politicians, and public figures. Other collection materials include summary clippings files and “Whip Clips” files prepared for DeLay’s perusal, awards and memorabilia, and materials from the office of Legislative Assistant Hope Henry.

Dates

1982-2006

Conditions Governing Access

Open for Research.

Conditions Governing Use

Special Collections owns the physical items in our collections, but copyright normally belongs to the creator of the materials or their heirs. The researcher has full responsibility for determining copyright status, obtaining permission to publish from copyright holders, and abiding by current copyright laws when publishing or displaying copies of Special Collections material in print or electronic form. For more information, consult the appropriate librarian. Reproduction decisions will be made by Special Collections staff on a case-by-case basis.

Extent

142 linear feet

Additional Description

Biographical Information

Tom DeLay was born in Laredo Texas on April 8, 1947 to Charles and Maxine (Wimbish) DeLay. After graduating from Calallan High School in Corpus Christ in 1965, DeLay attended Baylor University from 1965-1967 and received his Bachelors of Science in Biology from the University of Houston in 1970.

DeLay’s political career began with his election to the Texas State House of Representatives in 1979, a position he would hold until 1984. DeLay was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1985 and went on to serve eleven consecutive terms until his resignation in 2006. During his tenure, DeLay served as Majority Whip from 1995 to 2003 and Majority Leader from 2003 to 2005, also serving on committees including the House Appropriations Committee, the Republican Committee on Committees, the Republican Study Committee, and as secretary of the House Republican Conference.

DeLay resigned from the House of Representatives on June 9, 2006 amid multiple indictments of money laundering and conspiracy stemming from a campaign finance investigation. Acquitted of all charges in 2013, DeLay has continued to make public appearances, including appearing on the television program “Dancing with the Stars” in 2009.