TEXAS SCORECARD by Brandon Waltens July 17, 2026
Longtime Abbott adviser will oversee Texas elections as legal and legislative battles over the state's primary system continue.Gov. Greg Abbott has appointed longtime government adviser Robert Howden as Texas secretary of state, placing him in charge of the state’s elections office months before the November General Election.
Howden succeeds Jane Nelson, whose resignation took effect Friday after serving in the position since 2023.
“Robert Howden has served Texas with distinction in four Republican governors’ administrations,” said Abbott. “I have full confidence he will excel as Secretary of State.”
Abbott said Howden’s legislative experience and extensive public service had prepared him to protect the integrity of Texas elections and represent the state internationally.
Howden currently serves as a senior adviser and director of legislative affairs in Abbott’s office. He previously worked as a lobbyist and served as communications director and senior adviser to former Gov. Rick Perry.
His career also includes leading the National Federation of Independent Business Texas and serving on the staffs of former Gov. Bill Clements and the Texas Department of Commerce.
More:
https://texasscorecard.com/state/gov-abbott-appoints-robert-howden-as-secretary-of-state/
