With midterm elections approaching, Texas is on the verge of appointing a new top voting official. Local residents express concern as a prominent candidate appears to be 34-year-old conservative state legislator Nate Schatzline, who lacks experience in election administration.
The governor of Texas appoints the secretary of state, but the timing of an official announcement from Republican Governor Greg Abbott remains uncertain. Current Secretary of State Jane Nelson announced her resignation and plans to remain in office until July 17. Speculations point to Schatzline as Nelson’s likely successor.
Chris McGinn, the executive director of the Texas Association of County Election Officials, indicated that Schatzline is a significant consideration. In preparation, McGinn prepared a report on how Schatzline’s potential appointment could impact this year’s elections. Previous secretaries have prioritized fostering stable relationships with county officials and providing bipartisan-friendly resources. In contrast, McGinn’s report suggests that Schatzline’s approach might differ, being ideologically driven and responsive to activist demands.
Schatzline, a Fort Worth megachurch pastor, has been associated with Christian nationalism and has echoed unproven claims of widespread voting fraud in the U.S. He has not publicly responded to inquiries regarding his potential appointment. Similarly, Abbott’s spokesperson has only stated that an announcement will be forthcoming.
Concerns Over Lack of Election Experience
Although Nelson also transitioned from state lawmaker to secretary without prior experience in election oversight, Schatzline would face a steep learning curve as he tackles election administration in Texas, the second-largest state by voter registration. McGinn’s report points out that Schatzline has never directly managed an election.
Over the past year, Schatzline shifted legislative focus towards voting, authoring or co-authoring several bills. His alignment with former President Trump’s unfounded election fraud allegations has been evident in interviews and social media activity. He maintains a strong alliance with Ken Paxton, a Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate and Attorney General of Texas, having supported him during a 2023 scandal.
Unusual Departure Timing Raises Concerns
It is rare for a state election official to resign so close to federal elections. Nelson’s departure, occurring after the Texas legislative session, allows the appointed successor to operate in an acting capacity until the legislature reconvenes to approve a permanent replacement.
Anthony Gutierrez, executive director of Common Cause Texas, emphasizes the lack of accountability for an acting appointee. He suggests that this process allows the new official to fulfill critical election responsibilities without prior evaluation. Gutierrez expresses concern that a partisan shift within the office could impact highly significant upcoming elections.
The role of secretary of state is pivotal, with significant responsibilities that can influence the political landscape, particularly during a high-stakes election cycle.
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