Longtime Sen. Jane Nelson named Texas Secretary of State, state’s top election official
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Thursday officially appointed longtime Tarrant County Sen. Jane Nelson as Texas Secretary of State.
In the role, the Flower Mound Republican will serve as the state’s chief election officer. Nelson announced in July 2021 she wouldn’t seek reelection to the Senate where she’s represented North Texas for about three decades. In December, after Secretary of State John Scott said he was resigning, Abbott said he’d nominate Nelson for the position.
“I am deeply honored to continue my career as a public servant as Texas Secretary of State, and am grateful for the confidence Governor Abbott has placed in me to serve in this critical new role,” Nelson said in a statement.
Her appointment comes as some in the state and across country lack confidence in the election process, though there has been no evidence of widespread fraud.
“As Secretary of State, I hope to continue safeguarding the integrity of our state’s elections and enhance transparency so that all Texas voters can have confidence in fair, accurate elections across each of our 254 counties,” Nelson said.
In addition to overseeing elections and other duties, the secretary of state serves as Abbott’s senior advisor and liaison for the Texas Border and Mexican Affairs division and as the state’s chief international protocol officer.
“Ensuring confidence in our elections and building the Texas brand on the international stage are crucial for the continued growth and success of our great state,” Abbott said in a Dec. 6 statement. “I thank Secretary Scott for his tireless work educating Texas voters how they can participate in the electoral process and safeguarding the integrity of our state’s elections. Senator Nelson’s lifelong commitment to public service and deep understanding of state government will be assets in her new role ensuring the critical duties of Secretary of State are fulfilled. Nothing is more important to a free society than fair elections, and the State of Texas will continue working to uphold and protect this right.”
Nelson is scheduled to be formally sworn in to the new role on Saturday by Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan Hecht.
Nelson was elected to the Senate in 1992. Before that, she served two terms on the State Board of Education. In the Senate, she served for many years as chair of the Finance Committee, charged with crafting the state’s budget.
Nelson’s appointment is subject to Senate confirmation. Both Ruth Hughs and her predecessor David Whitley didn’t clear the confirmation hurdle and resigned. Scott, who is from Fort Worth, was appointed in October 2021, after the full Legislature had adjourned.
The next legislative session begins on Jan. 10.
University of Houston political science professor Brandon Rottinghaus said Nelson’s chances of being confirmed are “extremely good” given her connection to the Senate.
“It’s probably as close to a slam dunk we’ve seen in a high-profile, appointed position,” he said. Later adding, “She is well respected, well liked and has done a solid job as a legislator in some pretty trying financial times. So, I think she’s got the trust of the leadership, and certainly has got strong ties to the Senate, giving her a smooth path to confirmation.”
This story was originally published January 5, 2023 at 3:34 PM.
