Raggio was born in Elgin, Texas and moved to Dallas shortly after his father returned home from service in World War II.[3] Both of his parents were attorneys and his mother Louise was a national leader in securing the equal rights of women before the law.[4] Raggio's wife Lorraine is a Civil District Court Judge in Dallas County.[5] He has three children and two grandchildren.[3]
He started several small businesses and a law firm in New York City before returning to Dallas to join his family's law practice.[6]
Campaign
Raggio formally announced his candidacy in June 2009.[7]
Raggio ran a campaign premised on accountability and transparency, promising to pursue comprehensive ethics reform. A committed environmentalist, he believes that the United States should commit itself to reducing fossil fuel consumption by 50% before 2020.
Raggio's campaign was hurt by a national environment in which Republicans, led by Raggio's opponent NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions, saw massive gains nationwide and in Texas. On November 2, 2010, Raggio was defeated 63%-35%.