Texas Prepares for New Secretary of State Appointment

As the midterm elections approach, Texas expects a new appointment for the position of top voting official. The frontrunner is 34-year-old state Rep. Nate Schatzline, a conservative lawmaker and pastor, raising concerns due to his lack of election administration experience.

The Texas governor is responsible for appointing the secretary of state. However, Governor Greg Abbott’s official announcement timing is still unknown. The current Secretary of State, Jane Nelson, who announced her resignation earlier this month, will remain in her post until July 17.

Indications suggest state Rep. Nate Schatzline may succeed Nelson. Schatzline, a pastor at a Fort Worth megachurch, has ties to Christian nationalism and has echoed unfounded claims of election fraud in the United States.

Chris McGinn, executive director of the Texas Association of County Election Officials, stated, “I personally have not heard of another name floated.” McGinn has prepared an analysis on how Schatzline’s leadership might impact elections.

“It is believed that Schatzline would represent a disruptor model of [secretary of state] leadership: highly ideological, responsive to grassroots activist demands, and comfortable using the office as an active enforcement agency,” McGinn’s report mentioned.

Schatzline has declined to pursue reelection for his seat and did not provide a response to NPR’s request for comments. Likewise, an Abbott spokesperson mentioned that any announcement regarding the appointment will occur at a later date.

No Election Administration Experience

Outgoing Secretary of State Nelson, like Schatzline, previously served as a state lawmaker before taking the top voting position. While it is not unusual for secretaries to lack direct oversight experience, Schatzline would need to quickly familiarize himself with Texas’s vast election responsibilities, particularly with competitive races that could alter congressional power.

McGinn’s report highlights that the lack of practical experience might lead to administrative decisions that are logistically challenging during elections.

Last year, Schatzline redirected his legislative focus to voting, authoring multiple election-related bills. He is identified with President Trump’s unfounded election fraud assertions and has made public claims about perceived issues with mail-in ballots and voting machines.

Schatzline is allied with U.S. Senate nominee and Attorney General Ken Paxton. He opposed Paxton’s impeachment in 2023, with Paxton expressing friendship towards Schatzline online.

Unusual Timing

The timing of Nelson’s departure, coming after the legislative session, is unique. Abbott’s appointee would serve in an acting capacity until the legislature can vote next year on a permanent replacement, reducing accountability during this election cycle.

Anthony Gutierrez, Common Cause Texas’s executive director, expressed concern over Abbott’s appointee potentially pushing the office towards a partisan role, impacting the November elections.

“This job is incredibly important,” Gutierrez emphasized, concerned about any political motivations.

Anthony Lopez of NPR contributed to the reporting.