Gov. Greg Abbott appoints new secretory of state following Nelson’s retirement
Gov. Gregg Abbott appointed Robert S. Howden as the new Texas secretary of state effective July 18.
Howden served as the senior adviser and the director of legislative affairs for the governor’s office. Before that he worked as an independent legislative and public affairs consultant. Before his consulting business he was the communications director and senior adviser for Gov. Rick Perry and oversaw the Governor’s Task Force on Economic Development Growth. He also led the National Federation of Independent Business Texas, and worked on Gov. Bill Clements’ staff.
“I have full confidence he will excel as Secretary of State,” Abbott said in a statement. “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. Texas will benefit from his distinguished leadership.”
In his role as secretary of state, Howden will serve as Texas’ chief election officer ensuring that Texas is uniformly complying with election laws. He will also provide a repository for official business and commercial records that are required to be filed with the Office, and he will publish government rules and regulations.
The secretary’s role also includes keeping the state seal and attesting to the governor’s signature on state documents.
Howard will be the 116th secretary of state. He follows Jane Nelson, a former state senator from Flower Mound who was appointed by Abbott in 2023.
In a statement, Nelson reflected on her three and half years in office.
“This office touches nearly every Texan in some way, whether they are starting a business, casting a ballot, filing official records, or welcoming visitors from around the world,” said Nelson. “I am proud of what our team accomplished together to build a stronger, more modern agency focused on serving the people of Texas.”
