A long time resident of Brazos County, Raney graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in 1965 and is a member of the Class of '69 of Texas A&M University graduating with a BBA degree in Marketing. John founded Texas Aggieland Bookstore in 1969 while still attending Texas A&M. The many years of its successful operation are a testament to John's ability to run a small business.

John is a 36-year member of the National Federation of Independent Businesses and has served for a number of years on its' Texas Leadership Council. He also served a term as chairman of the Private Stores Committee of the National Association of College Stores. He is a long time member of the Texas Retailers Association, serving for many years on its' Board of Directors, taking an active role in its Tax and Legislative Committee. He is currently a member of the Executive Committee. Through John's involvement in these organizations he has testified before numerous legislative Committee Hearings in the Texas Legislature.

Raney has a long history of community involvement. A number of years ago, Raney served as Civic Division Vice-President of the BCS Chamber of Commerce. From 1971-1978 he served as Chairman of the Republican Party of Brazos County. Through the efforts of John and numerous others, Texas and Brazos County have become a conservative state and county. During the 70's John attended all Republican State Conventions and Chaired the Senatorial District Caucus. He also attended State Republican Executive Committee meetings and helped to direct the policy of the Republican Party of Texas.

John has been an active member of First United Methodist Church in Bryan for over fifty years and has served his church in leadership roles. For over 40 years John has been an active participant in various Masonic bodies in the Brazos Valley.

John Raney has been married to Elizabeth for 37 years. They have two daughters and sons-in-law and 6 grandchildren, all under the age of 6.

Both a fiscal and social conservative, John Raney will represent the people of the Brazos Valley with dignity and integrity. With his experience in small business and community affairs, John will represent values of the people of Brazos County.