Today, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott appointed Fort Worth attorney John Scott as Texas’ new secretary of state, filling a five-month vacancy in the position.
The secretary serves as the state’s chief election officer and chief international protocol officer, as well as the governor’s senior advisor and liaison for Texas border and Mexican affairs. The Office of the Secretary of State also publishes government rules and regulations and is a repository for official and business and commercial records.
“John Scott is a proven leader with a passion for public service, and his decades of experience in election law and litigation make him the ideal choice for the Texas Secretary of State,” Abbott said in a statement announcing Scott’s appointment:
John understands the importance of protecting the integrity of our elections and building the Texas brand on an international stage. I am confident that John’s experience and expertise will enhance his oversight and leadership over the biggest and most thorough election audit in the country.
Scott has a background as a civil litigator in state and federal courts. He previously served under then-Attorney General Greg Abbott, overseeing all the state’s civil litigation.
Secretary of state is the only unelected state executive officer in Texas. The governor’s appointees are subject to confirmation by the state Senate.
Abbott’s last two appointees, David Whitley and Ruth Hughs, failed to get confirmed, requiring them to resign at the end of the regular legislative sessions.
Scott will face confirmation in 2023.
