40 Facts About Tony Buzbee

Early Life and Family Background

Tony Buzbee's journey from a small-town farm boy to a prominent lawyer and political figure is nothing short of remarkable. Let's dive into his early life and family background.

1. Tony Buzbee was born and raised in Atlanta, Texas, a small town near the Arkansas border with a population of about 4,000 people.

2. He grew up on a farm with his parents, Bobby Glenn and Patti, and three siblings: Laura, Tim, and Jennifer. His father worked as a butcher, and his mother drove a school bus.

3. Buzbee faced significant challenges during his childhood. His father had a quick temper, and Buzbee often found himself on the receiving end of his father's anger.

Education and Military Service

Buzbee's educational journey and military service played a crucial role in shaping his character and career.

4. Buzbee earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Texas A&M University, where he was a member of the Corps of Cadets and served as a Battalion Commander in the NROTC Midshipman Battalion.

5. After graduating from Texas A&M, Buzbee served in the U.S. Marines as an infantry officer in the Persian Gulf and Somalia. He later became a reconnaissance officer and attained the rank of captain, earning the prestigious Navy Commendation Medal.

6. Buzbee attended the University of Houston Law Center, where he graduated second in his class. He began his legal career as an attorney at Susman Godfrey LLP in Houston.

Legal Career and Notable Cases

Tony Buzbee's legal career is marked by high-profile cases and significant victories. Here are some highlights.

7. In 1999, Buzbee founded the Buzbee Law Firm, which has become one of the most successful plaintiff law firms in Texas.

8. One of Buzbee's most significant cases was against BP following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. He represented numerous clients and secured a substantial settlement.

9. The settlement with BP resulted in the company paying out $2.1 billion to clients, with Buzbee's firm earning close to $100 million from the litigation.

10. Buzbee is known for his work in personal injury law, representing clients against large corporations. He has defended working-class individuals against what he terms "greedy corporations."

Political Involvement

Buzbee's political career has been as dynamic as his legal one. Let's explore his political endeavors.

11. Buzbee has been involved in various political campaigns, including supporting Rick Perry's presidential bid and hosting a fundraiser for Donald Trump at his River Oaks mansion.

12. He was a long-time supporter of Rick Perry and served as one of his debate coaches during Perry's presidential campaign in 2012.

13. Initially, Buzbee supported Donald Trump's presidential campaign, hosting a fundraiser at his mansion. However, after the release of the infamous "Access Hollywood" tape, he disavowed Trump.

14. Despite disavowing Trump, Buzbee gave $500,000 to Trump's inauguration committee.

15. In 2019, Buzbee ran for mayor of Houston, challenging incumbent Sylvester Turner. His campaign focused on universal pre-K, infrastructure improvement, crime reduction, and expanding access to 5G broadband.

16. Buzbee garnered 28% of the vote in the initial election, forcing a runoff with Turner. However, he lost the runoff election to Turner by 14 percentage points.

17. Buzbee is reportedly considering another mayoral run in Houston. His firm is also hosting a fundraiser for the Harris County Democratic Party.

High-Profile Legal Representations

Buzbee has represented several high-profile clients, making headlines with his legal prowess.

18. In 2023, Buzbee led the legal team representing Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in his impeachment trial before the Texas Senate. Buzbee defended Paxton against allegations of misconduct.

19. Buzbee represents at least 21 clients alleging sexual misconduct against NFL quarterback Deshaun Watson.

20. In 2021, he won a $41 million jury verdict for the family of a man who died from a spider bite while aboard a ship.

21. Buzbee filed a $750 million lawsuit against rapper Travis Scott on behalf of 120 victims who died or were injured during the Astroworld Festival crowd crush in 2021.

22. In 2024, Buzbee announced that he represents 120 individuals with sexual misconduct allegations against hip-hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs. The allegations span from 1991 to the present and include minors.

Personal Life and Residences

Buzbee's personal life and opulent lifestyle have often been in the spotlight.

23. Buzbee married Zoe Benson in 1991, and they have four children together. The marriage ended in divorce in 2017.

24. He resides in River Oaks, an affluent neighborhood in Houston. His opulent lifestyle is well-documented, including his $14 million mansion and a $600,000 World War II-era tank displayed outside his home.

25. Buzbee's mansion has been the site of several high-profile incidents, including a burglary in which an estimated $21 million worth of art, technology, guns, and jewelry were stolen.

Business Ventures and Philanthropy

Buzbee's entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond the courtroom. Let's look at his business ventures and philanthropic efforts.

26. Buzbee owns Buzbee Properties, a real-estate firm focused on various suburbs in the Greater Houston area. He also owns properties in Florida.

27. In 2023, Buzbee partnered with Washington Ho to launch a line of THC-infused seltzers named HoBuzz.

Other Notable Facts

Here are some additional interesting facts about Tony Buzbee that showcase his diverse career and personality.

28. Buzbee represented Rebecca Grossman, who was convicted of second-degree murder in Los Angeles in 2024 after a 2020 hit-and-run that killed two brothers.

29. From August 2003 to April 2005, Buzbee served as the chair of the Galveston County Democratic Party.

30. In 2002, Buzbee ran for the 24th District of the Texas State House as a Democrat but lost to Republican Larry Taylor by 17 points.

31. During his mayoral campaign in 2019, Buzbee sought support from local conservatives and evangelicals, including prominent anti-LGBTQ activist Steven Hotze.

32. Buzbee served as a debate coach for Rick Perry during Perry's presidential campaign in 2012.

33. In 2023, Buzbee ran for the Houston City Council but lost to incumbent Mary Nan Huffman.

34. Buzbee has been involved in numerous high-profile legal cases, including representing former Governor Rick Perry against abuse-of-power charges.

35. Buzbee was awarded the prestigious Navy Commendation Medal for his service in the U.S. Marines.

36. During his time at Texas A&M, Buzbee served as a Battalion Commander in the NROTC Midshipman Battalion.

37. In 2013, Perry appointed Buzbee to the Texas A&M University System’s board of regents.

38. Buzbee is known for his boisterous and sometimes controversial public persona, which has both earned him respect and criticism in legal and political circles.

39. Buzbee has been featured in various media outlets, including The New York Times, which highlighted his role in the litigation against BP following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

40. Despite his controversies and criticisms, Tony Buzbee has left a significant mark on both the legal and political landscapes of Texas. His commitment to representing working-class individuals against corporate giants has made him a prominent figure in American law.

Tony Buzbee: A Multifaceted Figure

Tony Buzbee's life is a blend of legal prowess, military service, and political ambition. From his humble beginnings in Atlanta, Texas, to founding the Buzbee Law Firm, he has tackled high-profile cases like the BP oil spill and represented clients in headline-grabbing lawsuits against Deshaun Watson and Travis Scott. His political ventures include a run for Houston mayor and defending Ken Paxton in an impeachment trial. Buzbee's personal life, marked by a high-profile divorce and a lavish lifestyle, adds another layer to his complex persona. Despite controversies, his impact on law and politics remains significant. Whether representing working-class individuals or engaging in political battles, Buzbee's journey reflects determination and strategic thinking. His story is far from over, with potential future political runs and ongoing high-stakes legal battles. Tony Buzbee continues to be a force to reckon with.