Texas prepares for a significant shift with the impending appointment of a new top voting official. With midterm elections on the horizon, the frontrunner is state Rep. Nate Schatzline, a 34-year-old conservative pastor lacking election administration experience. The governor, Greg Abbott, selects the secretary of state. The current secretary, Jane Nelson, will remain until July 17. While no official announcement is made, indications suggest Schatzline as the possible successor.
Schatzline, a pastor affiliated with Christian nationalism, has voiced claims of election fraud in the U.S. Chris McGinn, from the Texas Association of County Election Officials, mentioned no other names being considered. McGinn’s analysis for election officials highlighted the differences Schatzline might bring compared to prior secretaries who maintained stable relations with county officials and emphasized bipartisan cooperation.
“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 stated.
Schatzline has not responded to NPR or Abbott spokesperson queries regarding the appointment. Despite a precedent of secretaries lacking prior election oversight experience, the role requires rapid familiarity with Texas’s vast voter base and competitive political climate. Schatzline’s absence of practical election management could lead to logistical challenges, as McGinn observed.
In recent years, Schatzline concentrated on voting legislation development. He authored several related bills in his second legislative session, aligning with President Trump’s claims of election fraud. Schatzline also collaborates with Ken Paxton, the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate. He opposed Paxton’s impeachment in 2023, strengthening their alliance.
Jane Nelson’s resignation this late in the election cycle is unusual. Her departure after the legislative session allows Abbott to appoint an acting secretary without immediate legislative approval. Anthony Gutierrez from Common Cause Texas noted the implications of a potentially partisan appointment by Abbott, emphasizing its effect on upcoming elections where stakes are deemed high.
“This job is incredibly important,” Gutierrez stated, cautioning against political motivations overshadowing supportive roles within the position.
Contributions to this report were made by NPR’s Ashley Lopez.