Abbott designa a Robert Howden como secretario de estado de Texas

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott appointed Robert Howden as the 166th Secretary of State on Friday, effective Saturday, according to KVIA. Howden replaces Jane Nelson, who announced in early June she would step down, with Friday marking her final day in the role.

The secretary of state oversees election administration across Texas, working with county election officials and enforcing state election law. The office also maintains a repository for official business and commercial records, publishes government rules and regulations, commissions notaries public, and serves as keeper of the state seal and attester to the governor's signature on official documents.

Howden will also serve as senior advisor and governor's liaison for the Texas Border and Mexican Affairs Division, as well as the state's chief international protocol officer, Abbott said in a news release.

Abbott said Howden has "served Texas with distinction in four Republican governors' administrations" and expressed confidence in his ability to "protect the integrity of Texas elections and represent our state with strength on the global stage."

Howden, an Austin resident, has held positions in the administrations of former Governors Rick Perry and Bill Clements. Under Perry, he oversaw the governor's task force on economic development. He currently serves as a senior advisor and director of legislative affairs in Abbott's office. Howden has also worked in consulting and communications and led the National Federation of Independent Business Texas.

Howden holds a bachelor of science from the University of Texas at Austin and serves on the UT Chancellor's Council Executive Committee. He is a member of the Austin Club Board and has served on advisory boards for the Helping Hand Home for Children and the Austin Junior League, according to the governor's office.