Governor Greg Abbott has appointed his longtime aide, Robert Howden, as Texas' 116th secretary of state. Howden will take office on July 18 and can serve immediately; the Texas Senate will consider his confirmation when it reconvenes in January. His résumé includes senior roles under Governors Rick Perry and Bill Clements, work at the Texas Department of Commerce, and service with the University of Texas system. The secretary of state oversees law publication, legislative records, election administration assistance, and state diplomatic protocol.
Abbott Names Longtime Aide Robert Howden Texas Secretary of State Ahead of Midterms
Robert Howden, Senior Advisor and Director of the Legislative Affairs for Gov. Greg Abbott's office, talks about how businesses like JBS impact the Texas Panhandle during the groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of their Fabrication Floor at the Cactus plant on Friday, Feb. 27.
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Robert Howden as Texas' 116th secretary of state and chief elections officer, replacing Secretary Jane Nelson, who will step down on July 17. Howden is scheduled to take office on July 18 and can serve immediately without legislative approval until the Texas Senate considers his confirmation when lawmakers return in January.
Background and Career
Howden currently serves as Abbott's senior adviser and director of legislative affairs, roles he assumed in 2024. He has a long record of public service across multiple Texas administrations: he worked for former Governor Rick Perry as communications director and senior adviser and led the Governor's Task Force on Economic Development Growth. His earlier experience includes service on former Governor Bill Clements' staff and a role at the Texas Department of Commerce. Howden is also active with the University of Texas system as a member of the UT Chancellor's Council Executive Committee and is a UT Austin graduate.
Governor's Statement
"Robert Howden has served Texas with distinction in four Republican governors' administrations," Abbott said. "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."
Role and Responsibilities
The Texas secretary of state performs several administrative, advisory and ceremonial duties. The Texas Constitution tasks the office with authenticating the publication of laws and keeping an accurate register of official acts and the governor's proceedings, as well as maintaining legislative records. Over time, the role has grown to include assisting county election officials, promoting uniform application and interpretation of election laws across the state, publishing state rules and regulations, and serving as the governor's senior adviser and liaison on border and Mexican affairs and as Texas' chief international protocol officer.
Outgoing Secretary
Jane Nelson announced her resignation on June 2 and will leave office on July 17. Nelson had been confirmed as secretary of state in March 2023 after a 30-year tenure in the Texas Senate, where she became the longest-serving Republican in the chamber's history and the first woman to chair the Senate Finance Committee.
Historical Note
Stephen F. Austin, often called the Father of Texas, served as the state's first secretary of state in 1836 after being appointed by Sam Houston, the Republic of Texas' first president. Austin played a pivotal role in Texas' fight for independence from Mexico but served only three months before dying of pneumonia in December 1836 at age 43.
Reporting: Mateo Rosiles, Texas Connect reporter for USA TODAY and regional papers in Texas. Send news tips to [email protected].
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