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David Whitley

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David Whitley
Prior offices:
Texas Secretary of State
Year left office: 2019
Education
Bachelor's
University of Texas, Austin
Law
University of Texas, Austin

David Whitley is the former Republican secretary of state in Texas. He was appointed to the position by Governor Greg Abbott (R) on December 17, 2018, to succeed former officeholder Rolando Pablos.[1] Whitley resigned on May 27, 2019, after he did not receive enough votes from the state Senate to remain in office.[2]

Although the governor had the power to appoint an interim secretary of state in the event of a vacancy, Whitley had to receive confirmation from two-thirds of the Senate (21 of 31 senators) to continue serving in a permanent capacity through 2021. On February 25, 2019, all 12 Democratic members of the Texas State Senate announced their opposition to Whitley's nomination.[3]

Biography

Whitley served as deputy chief of staff to Gov. Greg Abbott (R) from 2017 to 2018. He obtained finance and law degrees from the University of Texas at Austin.[1] After resigning as secretary of state, Whitley was named a special advisor to Gov. Abbott.[4]

Political career

Texas Secretary of State (2018-2019)

Whitley was appointed Texas secretary of state by Governor Greg Abbott (R) on December 17, 2018.[1]

Appointments

2018

Gov. Greg Abbott (R) appointed Whitley to serve as Texas secretary of state on December 17, 2018.[1]

On February 25, 2019, all 12 Democratic members of the Texas State Senate announced their opposition to Whitley's nomination. To be confirmed, Whitley's nomination requires support from two-thirds of the Senate (21 of 31 senators). At the time of Whitley's nomination, the state Senate had 19 Republican members and 12 Democratic members.[3]

See also

Texas State Executive Elections News and Analysis
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Texas State Executive Offices
Texas State Legislature
Texas Courts
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Texas elections: 20262025202420232022202120202019201820172016
Party control of state government
State government trifectas
State of the state addresses
Partisan composition of governors

External links

Footnotes

Political offices
Preceded by
Rolando Pablos
Texas Secretary of State
2018-2019
Succeeded by
NA