AUSTIN (WBAP/KLIF) – Texas Governor Greg Abbott accepted the resignation of Texas Secretary of State John Scott on Tuesday, and announced his intent to appoint Senator Jane Nelson, of Flowermound, to fill the role as the 115th Secretary of State for Texas.
Scott has served as Secretary of State since October 2021 with the mission of helping restore Texans’ confidence in the security of our state’s elections. Scott said Monday his office made progress on that front.
Senator Nelson did not run for re-election after serving 30 years in the Texas Senate, including serving as Chair of the Senate Finance Committee since 2014.
“Ensuring confidence in our elections and building the Texas brand on the international stage are crucial for the continued growth and success of our great state,” said Governor Abbott. “I thank Secretary Scott for his tireless work educating Texas voters how they can participate in the electoral process and safeguarding the integrity of our state’s elections. Senator Nelson’s lifelong commitment to public service and deep understanding of state government will be assets in her new role ensuring the critical duties of Secretary of State are fulfilled. Nothing is more important to a free society than fair elections, and the State of Texas will continue working to uphold and protect this right.”
Secretary Scott is the third consecutive Secretary of State nominee to leave office without being confirmed by the Texas Senate. The voting Rights Group Common Cause said the trend is unacceptable.
“Confirmation hearings are how we’re supposed to have some assurance that the person in charge of elections in Texas is qualified to do that job,” said Common Cause Texas Voting Rights Program Manager Katya Ehresman. “We should all be deeply alarmed by the fact that this is the third person to serve as Secretary of State without having ever been confirmed by the Texas Senate. An office of this caliber should not continue to be filled by an unconfirmed and unelected official.”
Senator Nelson said she appreciates the Governor’s confidence.
Copyright 2022. WBAP/KLIF News. All Rights Reserved.
