New Texas Secretary of State Robert Howden will maintain his predecessor’s opposition to the Republican Party of Texas’ lawsuit seeking to close the state’s GOP primaries.
Howden disclosed his position Monday in a court filing ordered by U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, who asked whether the newly appointed secretary would continue the legal positions taken under former Secretary of State Jane Nelson.
“The only thing that has changed in this case is the name of the defendant,” Howden’s filing states.
Howden confirmed that his office continues to oppose the Texas GOP’s requested consent judgment and still seeks dismissal of the lawsuit.
However, the new secretary emphasized that he expects the issue to be addressed legislatively.
“The Secretary continues to believe that the Legislature is the proper forum for adopting any closed primary system and thoughtfully crafting the detailed scheme that would govern it,” the filing states.
Howden also pointed to recent support from Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, and House Speaker Dustin Burrows for legislative action to close the primaries, arguing there remains “ample time” for lawmakers to act before the 2028 election.
The filing continues the position taken under Nelson despite Attorney General Ken Paxton’s support for the Texas GOP’s lawsuit.
The Republican Party of Texas sued the state in 2025, arguing that allowing non-Republicans to participate in its primaries violates the party’s First Amendment associational rights.
Abbott has also previously told Texas Scorecard that he supports closed Republican primaries but would prefer the Legislature address the issue.
