Biography

112th Congress United States House of Representatives 

 

Congressman Ralph M. Hall

Congressman Ralph  Hall was first elected to serve the 4th District of Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1980 and has been re-elected to each succeeding Congress. 

He was born in Fate, Texas - Rockwall County - and attended public schools in Rockwall. In 1942, he joined the U.S. Navy, serving as a lieutenant (senior grade) aircraft carrier pilot from 1942 to 1945.  After receiving his LL.B. from Southern Methodist University in 1951, he was admitted to the Texas Bar in 1951 and maintained a private law practice in Rockwall for many years.

Congressman Hall's public service began at the urging his wife, Mary Ellen Murphy, who he married in 1944.  Between 1950 and 1962, Ralph served as County Judge of Rockwall County, Texas.  In 1958-1959, he served as President of the State Judges and Commissioners Association.  He served in the Texas Senate from 1962 to 1972, where he served as President Pro Tempore in 1968-1969.

In addition, Congressman Hall had an active business career in Rockwall County: he served as President/CEO of Texas Aluminum Corp., General Counsel of Texas Extrusion Co., was a founding member of Lakeside National Bank in Rockwall, and Chairman of Lakeside News, Inc. 

In 2011, Congressman Hall was named Chairman of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives. He has led this Committee in efforts to:

·         Promote science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education; 

·         Ensure sound science precedes any regulations imposed by the Administration;

·         Advance research and development (R&D) for new technologies to keep America
          competitive;

·         Utilize America's abundant energy resources and seek alternative energy sources that
          would lower costs and increase national security; and

·         Ensure America's preeminence in human space exploration.

Congressman Hall makes it a priority to stay in touch with constituents and serve them to the best of his ability. He is often quoted, saying "I'd rather be respected at home than liked in Washington."

Married to the late Mary Ellen Murphy, the couple have three sons, Hampton, Brett, and Blakeley, and five grandchildren.