Abbott’s pick for secretary of state worked with Trump to challenge election results

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s (R) pick for secretary of state worked with former President Trump to challenge the results of the 2020 election in Pennsylvania. 

Abbott appointed John Scott to fill the role of the Texas Secretary of State on Thursday, putting him in charge of election administration and publishing government rules and regulations, among other things. 

“John understands the importance of protecting the integrity of our elections and building the Texas brand on an international stage,” Abbott said in a statement announcing Scott’s appointment. “I am confident that John’s experience and expertise will enhance his oversight and leadership over the biggest and most thorough election audit in the country.”

The Texas Tribune reported Scott signed on to represent Trump in Nov. 2020 in a case to block the election results in Pennsylvania. He filed a motion to withdraw as an attorney on the case a few days later. 

Under pressure from Trump, Texas officials announced in September they were launching “full forensic audit” of the 2020 election in four of the state’s largest counties, including three that went for President Biden. 

Scott has been an attorney for 33 years, was previously Texas’ deputy attorney general for civil litigation and served in the state’s Health and Human Services Commission, according to a press release on his appointment. Abbott previously appointed Scott to chair the board for the Department of Information Resources.

“John Scott is a proven leader with a passion for public service, and his decades of experience in election law and litigation make him the ideal choice for the Texas Secretary of State,” Abbott said in his statement. 

Scott’s new position as secretary of state will also make him the senior advisor and liaison to the Governor for Texas Border. 

The state legislature will still need to confirm Scott with their next meeting, which is not set until 2023, according to the Tribune. Scott will be the interim secretary of state until he is confirmed.