George Walker Bush, born on July 6, 1946, in New Haven, Connecticut, is an American politician and businessman who served as the 43rd President of the United States from 2001 to 2009. A member of the Republican Party, he previously served as the 46th Governor of Texas from 1995 to 2000.

He was the eldest of six children of George H.W. Bush, who served as the 41st President of the United States (1989–93), and Barbara Bush. He grew up in the Texan cities of Midland and Houston⁸. His siblings include John (Jeb), Marvin, Neil, and Dorothy (Doro). In 1953, at the age of four, his first sister, Pauline (Robin), died after fighting leukemia.

He received a bachelor’s degree in history from Yale University and a master’s degree in business administration from Harvard Business School.

Before his election as president, He was a businessman and served as governor of Texas (1995–2000). He led his country’s response to the September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001 and initiated the Iraq War in 2003.

He narrowly won the electoral college vote in 2000 over Vice Pres. Al Gore in one of the closest and most-controversial elections in American history.

In his free time, he enjoyed biking, attending Texas Rangers baseball games, reading American history, and golfing. Known as the Western White House during his presidency, George W. Bush often retreated to his ranch to bike, clear brush, and escape from the press.

George W. Bush married Laura Welch in 1977, and by all accounts, she was the perfect balance to him. Her reserved, thoughtful personality complimented Bush’s more outgoing approach to life. They had twin girls in 1981, named Jenna and Barbara after their grandmothers.

George W. Bush has received numerous honors in recognition of his career in politics. These include national honors, foreign honors, and scholastic honorary degrees.