Jane Nelson, Texas Secretary of State

Jane Nelson was appointed the 115th Texas Secretary of State by Governor Greg Abbott on January 5, 2023. She is a businesswoman and former teacher from North Texas who has dedicated much of her career to public service. Secretary Nelson and her husband, J. Michael Nelson, owned and operated an aircraft component manufacturing company in Denton County. They have five children and 12 grandchildren.

Education and Background

Nelson worked as a teacher before transitioning into business and public service. Her background in both education and entrepreneurship has shaped her approach to governance, with an emphasis on efficiency and customer service.

Political Experience

Nelson served as a State Senator representing North Texas for over 30 years before her appointment as Secretary of State. She made history as the first woman in Texas legislative history to chair a standing budget-writing committee, serving as Chair of the Senate Finance Committee for four sessions.

During her legislative career, she held several significant positions, including chair of the Sunset Advisory Commission, the Nominations Committee, the Select Committee on Cybersecurity, and the Senate Health & Human Services Committee. She was also a member of the Senate State Affairs Committee, which oversees election policy, for eight sessions.

Additionally, she served on the State Board of Education for two terms and was a member of the Legislative Budget Board, the Legislative Audit Committee, and the Privacy Protection Advisory Council.

Notable Achievements

Secretary Nelson's legislative accomplishments include writing four balanced state budgets, establishing the Cancer Research & Prevention Institute of Texas , reforming medical liability, achieving tax relief, overhauling the foster care system, and expanding access to mental health care. She also passed over 30 bills protecting victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Her work has earned recognition from organizations including the American Medical Association, American Cancer Society, and Texas Association of Business.