Robert Spence Howden is an American politician serving as acting secretary of state of Texas since July 2026. He previously served as a senior advisor to governor Greg Abbott and as his director of legislative affairs.
Early life and career Howden graduated from the University of Texas at Austin, where he was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, with a Bachelor of Science in advertising in December 1983. He worked as an aide to governor Rick Perry, but left state government to join the Texas Automobile Dealers Association.
Personal life Howden is married to Jana Howden, who was appointed to Texas Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Board by his former boss Rick Perry in 2004.
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