Biography of Secretary of State Jane Nelson

Jane Nelson was appointed the 115th Texas Secretary of State by Governor Greg Abbott on January 5, 2023.

In her time as secretary of state, she has emphasized efficiency and customer service—lessons she learned as a businesswoman in North Texas. She also brings her expertise as a Texas senator for more than 30 years, including serving as the Chair of Senate Finance, to guide the agency.

Highlights of her legislative career include writing four balanced state budgets, establishing the Cancer Research & Prevention Institute of Texas (CPRIT), achieving tax relief, overhauling the foster care system, and expanding access to mental health care.

Secretary of State 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.