Texas Secretary of State Steen Resigns

With the 2014 elections just underway, the state’s top election official — Texas Secretary of State John Steen Jr. — announced late Friday that he is resigning his post.

Steen, a San Antonio attorney who has served in a number of appointed state government positions, has held the job for about a year. He succeeded Hope Andrade in the position.

Here’s his official announcement:

Today, Texas Secretary of State John Steen announced he will step down next month to return to his private law practice and continue his work managing his family’s investments.

“I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to Gov. Rick Perry for appointing me as Secretary of State and for his steadfast support during my time in this office,” said Secretary Steen. “Serving as secretary is a significant honor, and I am very proud of this agency’s work during my tenure, but the time has come for me to return full time to my business and family obligations in San Antonio.”

Gov. Rick Perry extended his gratitude to Secretary Steen

“Through the years, John Steen has been a capable and dedicated servant to the people of Texas in a number of capacities, and I thank him for his strong leadership as Secretary of State,” Gov. Rick Perry said. “On behalf of all Texans, I wish him continued success in his coming endeavors.”

Secretary Steen led the agency during a significant time of public change and new initiatives. Some of his accomplishments include overseeing the successful implementation of photo ID requirements for Texas elections, the creation and completion of a new program providing resources to military voters, and the revival of the Border Trade Advisory Committee which makes recommendations to the governor and the Texas Department of Transportation.

Additionally, Secretary Steen spearheaded major agency operational changes to promote economy and efficiency including: the consolidation of agency staff and services to a single state office building, the upcoming redevelopment of the statewide voter registration database, and increasing agency productivity without increasing staff.

Secretary Steen continued the tradition of secretaries of state promoting Texas economic development both at home and abroad.

“Talking about the Texas economy is one of the most exciting parts about being secretary of state,” said Secretary Steen. “People from all over the world want to hear about Texas and are interested in investing in our growing economy.”

Secretary Steen acknowledged the outstanding leadership of longtime Deputy Secretary of State Coby Shorter III and thanked the agency staff for its role in all the agency’s successes.

“The men and women working at the agency are committed public servants who make any accomplishments of the Secretary of State a possibility,” said Secretary Steen. “I am grateful for all their hard work and dedication.”

Secretary Steen is the 108th Texas Secretary of State.