Texas Secretary of State David Whitley resigned from his position on Monday after the 86th Legislature adjourned without confirming him to his post.
On Monday, the Austin-American Statesman reported Whitley had tendered his resignation to Governor Greg Abbott after the Texas Senate failed to confirm his nomination before leaving for the end of the session. Whitley would have needed to be confirmed to the job by the Senate in order to serve following the conclusion of the session.
Democrats in the Senate held along the party line, voting against Whitley’s nomination, preventing Republicans from having the necessary votes to confirm the incumbent. Objections were raised by Democrats on Whitley’s nomination during the session, with some alleging “voter suppression” by Whitley’s office.
It is unclear when Governor Abbott plans to name a new nominee for the position.
