Governor Greg Abbott appointed Robert Howden as Texas’ 116th secretary of state, effective July 18. The governor’s office said Howden has worked in four Republican gubernatorial administrations and will now lead an agency whose responsibilities include statewide election administration and business registrations.
The transition follows Jane Nelson’s departure on July 17 after more than three years in the post. The Texas secretary of state’s office said Nelson presided over seven statewide elections involving a cumulative 27 million ballots while also overseeing technology and records-modernization projects.
Howden takes office as election administration remains a prominent state and national issue. His immediate responsibilities include coordinating with county election officials and maintaining the state’s business and public-record systems. The appointment announcement did not outline a separate legislative agenda.
Source: Office of the Texas Governor ↗
Source: Texas Secretary of State ↗
Join the conversation.
No published comments yet. Share the first thoughtful response.
Share your view.
Comments are reviewed before publication. Keep the conversation relevant, civil, and focused on the reporting.