Gov. Greg Abbott has appointed Robert S. Howden as the 116th Texas secretary of state, putting a longtime aide in charge of the state's elections four months before the November midterms. The appointment took effect July 18.
Howden replaces Jane Nelson, who resigned Friday after three and a half years as the state's top election official. Nelson announced her departure in early June.
The secretary of state serves as the state's chief election officer, helping county election officials apply and interpret Texas election laws consistently. The office also keeps official state records and business filings, holds the state seal, and handles the governor's international and border-affairs protocol.
"Robert Howden has served Texas with distinction in four Republican governors' administrations," Abbott said in announcing the appointment. "I have full confidence he will excel as Secretary of State. His experience in the legislative process and extensive public service have prepared him to protect the integrity of Texas elections and represent our state with strength on the global stage."
Howden, of Austin, has served as senior adviser and director of legislative affairs in the governor's office since 2024, and previously worked in the administrations of Govs. Rick Perry, George W. Bush and Bill Clements. He also led two large state business associations and ran his own consulting practice. He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Austin.