Biography of Secretary of State Robert S. Howden
Gov. Greg Abbott appointed Robert S. Howden as the 116th Texas Secretary of State in July 2026. Secretary Howden previously served as a senior advisor to Governor Abbott and as his Director of Legislative Affairs.
As Secretary, he is Texas' Chief Election Officer, Chief International Protocol Officer, and Senior Advisor to the Governor for Border and Mexican Affairs.
Secretary Howden served four governors and has extensive experience in business and economic policy. He led the Texas division of the National Federation of Independent Business for a decade before joining the administration of Gov. Rick Perry, first as communications director and then as a senior advisor overseeing the Governor's Task Force on Economic Development and Growth. Following those roles, he worked as a political affairs consultant.
Early in his career, Secretary Howden worked for Gov. Bill Clements and at the Texas Department of Commerce.
A proud Longhorn, he is a member of the University of Texas Chancellor's Council Executive Committee, former Chairman of the Texas Exes Legislative Committee, and former member of the Texas Exes Board of Directors.
Secretary Howden is committed to community service. He is a board member of the Austin Club and sat on the advisory boards of Helping Hand Home for Children and the Austin Junior League.
Secretary Howden and his wife Jana are parents to three grown children and have three grandchildren. They reside in Austin.
