The newly released list of Dancing With the Stars contestants for Season 23 surprised with a familiar political name: former Texas Governor Rick Perry.
The former governor and two time GOP presidential candidate will be joining other competitors such as Laurie Hernandez and Ryan Lochte on the show beginning this fall. Perry’s partner will be British professional dancer and choreographer, Emma Slater.
Although Perry has not given a formal explanation of why he chose to join the Season 23 competition, he did announce it via Twitter:
I’m dedicated to helping #veterans however possible, and I’m going to use @dancingabc as a stage to do that. #DWTS pic.twitter.com/oQpfJrrYcC
— Rick Perry (@GovernorPerry) August 30, 2016
He later tweeted:
My @dancingabc partner, @EmmaSlaterDance, is a great teacher but she’s got her work cut out for her. #DWTS pic.twitter.com/vmusTqXXCe
— Rick Perry (@GovernorPerry) August 30, 2016
Perry is 66 years old, and served as Governor of Texas from 2005-2015. He was a GOP presidential candidate in both the 2012 and 2016 races. He also served in the United States Air Force as a fighter pilot for five years.