Tony Sanchez

Antonio R. Sanchez, Jr., (born February 3, 1943) a descendant of Don Tomás Sánchez, is a Mexican American businessman, philanthropist, and Democratic politician, who in 2002 ran an unsuccessful campaign against incumbent Republican Rick Perry for the position of Governor of Texas. He is also known for his successful oil, natural gas, and banking operations, which are based in Laredo, the seat of Webb County in south Texas.

Education

Sanchez went to Saint Mary's University in San Antonio and earned a B.A. degree (1965) and J.D., (1969).

Personal life

In 1972, Sanchez married the former Maria Josefina "Tani" Guajardo, a former schoolteacher. Together they have four children: Tony, III, Ana Lee, Eduardo and Patricio. Sanchez's lifetime commitment to the principles of success—reverence for the past, diligence in the present, and commitment to the future-guided him as he achieved the American dream. Sanchez and his family attend Saint Patrick's Church in Laredo.

Oil and Gas

The oil and gas brokerage business he and his late father, Antonio Rodolfo Sanchez, Sr., founded sparked Tony's adventurous and competitive drive. Sanchez immediately envisioned the expansion of the family business beyond a small operation into the larger scope business of oil and gas exploration, development, and production. Tony's father agreed; and in 1973, the father-son duo along with their partner Brian E. O'Brien, drilled a successful exploratory well in Webb County. The initial well...
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