AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas has a new “chief election officer.” Secretary of State Jane Nelson was sworn into the role Saturday.
The former state senator previously spent three decades in the Senate and served as chair of the Senate Finance Committee since 2014. She previously was on the State Board of Education for two terms.
Gov. Greg Abbott formally appointed Nelson to the job earlier this week. She is the 115th secretary of state.
Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson was sworn in by Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan L. Hecht on Saturday. (Courtesy Office of the Texas Secretary of State)
“I’m very excited to begin this next chapter in my career of public service,” Nelson said in a statement. “I want to thank my family for their tremendous support, Governor Abbott for his faith in me, and the many Texans who have inspired me to work on their behalf for so many years.”
John Scott resigned from the role in December saying he would return to his private legal practice. Scott took office in October 2021 after Ruth Hughs resigned earlier that year.
Nelson will open the 88th Texas Legislative Session next week and preside over the election for speaker of the Texas House, a news release said. Nelson will be the first Texas to oversee the opening of both Texas Legislature chambers.
The secretary of state is the “chief election officer for Texas,” according to the office’s website. They assist county election officials and ensure the uniform application and interpretation of election laws.
The role is appointed by Texas’ governor and confirmed by the state Senate.
Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, speaks during a news conference Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2009, in Austin, Texas. Working with Gov. Rick Perry’s office, Sen.…
Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, speaks during a news conference Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2009, in Austin, Texas. Working with Gov. Rick Perry’s office, Sen. Nelson has filed a bill that would create a governor-appointed official to investigate injuries and deaths at the institutions known as state schools. Earlier, Gov. Perry declared fixing state institutions for the mentally disabled a top priority for lawmakers, a move that comes after a federal report outlined negligent and abusive care that led to dozens of deaths in Texas. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck)
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas has a new “chief election officer.” Secretary of State Jane Nelson was sworn into the role Saturday.
The former state senator previously spent three decades in the Senate and served as chair of the Senate Finance Committee since 2014. She previously was on the State Board of Education for two terms.
Gov. Greg Abbott formally appointed Nelson to the job earlier this week. She is the 115th secretary of state.
Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson was sworn in by Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan L. Hecht on Saturday. (Courtesy Office of the Texas Secretary of State)
“I’m very excited to begin this next chapter in my career of public service,” Nelson said in a statement. “I want to thank my family for their tremendous support, Governor Abbott for his faith in me, and the many Texans who have inspired me to work on their behalf for so many years.”
John Scott resigned from the role in December saying he would return to his private legal practice. Scott took office in October 2021 after Ruth Hughs resigned earlier that year.
Nelson will open the 88th Texas Legislative Session next week and preside over the election for speaker of the Texas House, a news release said. Nelson will be the first Texas to oversee the opening of both Texas Legislature chambers.
The secretary of state is the “chief election officer for Texas,” according to the office’s website. They assist county election officials and ensure the uniform application and interpretation of election laws.
The role is appointed by Texas’ governor and confirmed by the state Senate.
Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Best freestanding punching bag
Boxing / 11 hours ago
Best rowing machine under $500
Fitness Equipment / 11 hours ago
Best pre-workout
Supplements / 11 hours ago
Top Stories
More Stories
KXAN Austin Video
// –>
Tracking the Coronavirus
Austin Weather
Current
73°
Cloudy
Tonight
49°
Scattered Thunderstorms
Precip: 70%
Tomorrow
66°
Mostly Sunny
Precip: 10%
Trending Stories
Don’t Miss
Latest weather conditions from the KXAN First Warning Weather team