AUSTIN — Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson announced on June 2, 2026, that she will step down from her role on July 17, 2026. She served more than three and a half years in the position, having taken office in January 2023.

"My time as Secretary came at an important moment for Texas, and I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish as an agency in under four years," Nelson said. "It has been my goal to ensure that voting in Texas is secure, accessible and fair."

As Texas’ chief elections officer, Nelson oversaw seven statewide elections with approximately 27 million ballots cast. Her office distributed millions of dollars in grants to counties for election integrity efforts and secured funding for a military ballot initiative to be implemented before the November 2026 General Election. The office began using the federal SAVE database in 2025 to verify voter citizenship, a move that identified 2,724 potential noncitizens. County officials later found some flagged voters were citizens. Voting rights groups argued the state should have first checked Department of Public Safety records, which require proof of citizenship. At least two federal lawsuits alleging the database is inaccurate remain pending.

Under Nelson, Texas surpassed 3 million active business filers. Her office launched Texas Express for expedited business filings, digitized millions of records, overhauled the agency website, and upgraded the Texas Register.

Gov. Greg Abbott praised Nelson as "a true champion for the people of Texas and an extraordinary Secretary of State." Abbott has not yet named a successor. By law, he must nominate a replacement "without delay." The press release announcing Nelson’s resignation did not state a reason for her departure.