Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson reflected on her nearly three and a half years leading the agency, highlighting modernization efforts, election administration improvements, and economic development initiatives as her tenure comes to a close.
Where
Statewide
When
July 17, 2026
Sources
From an official record
Taxes and money
The sources don't state an effect on taxes. They do state these figures.
Election security grants distributed to countiesMillions of dollars1Who pays or receives it: State
Who's involved
Jane NelsonTexas Secretary of State (115th)
Greg AbbottGovernor who appointed Nelson
The facts
Nelson appointed by Governor Abbott in January 2023 after 30 years in Texas Senate.1
Nelson received unanimous confirmation to Secretary of State position.1
Agency eliminated backlogs of business filings during Nelson's tenure.1
Texas Express service provides same-day and next-day business filing services.1
As of November 2025, agency had filings for 3 million active businesses.1
Agency carried out responsibilities for seven statewide elections during Nelson's tenure.1
Texas was first state to utilize SAVE database to prevent non-citizen registration and voting.1
Secretary of State's Office executed two comprehensive voter education campaigns reaching all 254 Texas counties.1
Who said what
These are statements and claims made by the people involved. They are reported, not verified.
Secretary Nelson This office touches nearly every Texan in some way.1
Secretary Nelson I am proud of what our team accomplished to build a stronger, more modern agency.1
Source If Texas were independent nation, its economy would rank eighth largest in world.1
Texas A&M University-Victoria held an investiture ceremony Wednesday to celebrate President Christian Hardigree's first year of leadership and the university's first year in The Texas A&M University System. State and federal officials, university system leaders, and higher education representatives attended the event at the Leo J. Welder Center for the Performing Arts.
Christian Hardigree, President of Texas A&M University-Victoria; AJ Louderback, Texas State Representative; Lois Kolkhorst, Texas State Senator and 4 more
The Federal Aviation Administration issued a temporary flight restriction barring unauthorized drones along the US-Mexico border up to 400 feet above ground, extending one nautical mile north of the border. The action addresses concerns about illegal drug shipments and cartel drone activity.
Federal Aviation Administration, Issued temporary flight restriction; Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Stated military will shoot down cartel drones; Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Said restrictions will counter cartel drone threats and 1 more
Gina Hinojosa, the Democratic nominee for Texas governor, was interviewed about her campaign. She is running to secure schools and put money in voters' pockets, and is challenging Republican incumbent Greg Abbott.
Two Texas county judge races are scheduled for the Nov. 3 election. In Bexar County, Republican Patrick Von Dohlen is challenging Democrat Ron Nirenberg. In Brazoria County, Republican Rob Giesecke, independent Lucinda Henry and Democrat Eugene Howard are running to replace retiring County Judge Matt Sebesta.
Patrick Von Dohlen, Republican candidate for Bexar County judge; Ron Nirenberg, Democrat candidate for Bexar County judge; Rob Giesecke, Republican candidate for Brazoria County judge and 3 more
County clerks and election administrators across Texas are implementing security procedures before early voting begins October 19. Travis County plans 201 voting locations on Election Day. Multiple counties conducted security training for poll workers.
Travis County Clerk Dyana Limon-Mercado, Travis County Clerk; Bexar County Elections Administrator Michele Carew, Bexar County Elections Administrator; Dallas County Elections Administrator Paul Adams, Dallas County Elections Administrator and 2 more
A body was found in Lady Bird Lake near Austin early Friday morning. Police were called for a welfare check after witnesses reported seeing a body floating in the water. The person was pronounced dead at the scene. The death is not being investigated as a homicide.
Austin Police Department, Investigating death; Austin Fire Department, Assisted with body recovery; Austin-Travis County EMS, Responded and pronounced person dead and 1 more
Democratic and Republican candidates released third-quarter campaign fundraising reports for the 2026 midterm elections. Democrat James Talarico's Texas Senate campaign raised $60 million between July and September, while Republican Ken Paxton's campaign raised about $10 million in the same period. Elon Musk's super PAC has heavily backed Paxton's campaign.
$$60 million for campaign funds raised, third quarter 2026
James Talarico, Democrat candidate for Texas Senate; Ken Paxton, Republican candidate for Texas Senate; Elon Musk, Tech billionaire and super PAC backer of Republican candidates
University of Texas senior linebacker Rasheem Biles was named one of 16 quarterfinalists for the Lott Impact Trophy, announced Thursday. The award goes to the defensive player with the biggest impact on his team both on and off the field.
Rasheem Biles, Texas senior linebacker; Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation, award sponsor