AUSTIN, Texas — Gov. Greg Abbott has appointed Robert S. Howden as Texas secretary of state, succeeding Jane Nelson and placing a longtime Republican policy adviser in charge of the state’s elections less than four months before the 2026 midterm elections.
Howden, Abbott’s legislative director since September 2024, will assume the role after Nelson’s resignation takes effect on July 17. He will serve on an interim basis until the 2027 legislative session, when the Texas Senate must decide whether to confirm his appointment.
Abbott said Howden’s experience in state government and the legislative process prepared him to oversee Texas elections and represent the state internationally.
The secretary of state serves as Texas’ chief elections officer, overseeing election administration, voter registration and business filings.
Howden previously served in the administrations of former Texas governors Rick Perry, George W. Bush and Bill Clements. He also led the Texas chapters of the National Federation of Independent Business and the Texas Association of Manufacturers.
State Rep. John Bucy, D-Austin, vice chair of the House Elections Committee, said he believes Howden understands the responsibility to administer elections “fairly, securely, and impartially.”
Howden takes office as Texas Republicans pursue a lawsuit seeking to end the state’s open primary system. The secretary of state’s office also oversees maintenance of voter rolls, an issue that has drawn scrutiny in recent years over the removal of registered voters. Political analyst Cal Jillson described Howden as a conservative, business-friendly choice but said his handling of election oversight will likely receive close attention.