Governor Greg Abbott has appointed David Whitley as the 112th Secretary of State of Texas, effective immediately. The Secretary of State acts as Texas’ chief elections officer and protocol officer for state and international affairs, and serves as liaison for the Governor on Mexican and border affairs. Whitley’s appointment fills the vacancy left by outgoing Secretary of State Rolando Pablos. David Whitley most recently served as Deputy Chief of Staff for the Governor and began working for then-Attorney General Abbott in 2004, serving in various roles including Assistant Deputy Attorney General.