Appointed by Governor Greg Abbott in July 2026, Robert S. Howden serves as the 116th Texas Secretary of State. He previously served as a senior advisor and Director of Legislative Affairs to Governor Abbott and has worked under four Texas governors. As Secretary of State, he serves as Texas’ Chief Election Officer, Chief International Protocol Officer, and Senior Advisor to the Governor for Border and Mexican Affairs.
Keynote: A Conversation with Secretary of State Robert Howden
Drafting Attorneys
Texas Legislative Council
The Texas Legislative Council is a nonpartisan legislative agency providing research, legal analysis, and drafting services to the Texas Legislature. Attorneys in its Legal Division draft bills, amendments, resolutions, and other legislative documents while providing legal research and counsel throughout the legislative process.
Legislative Toolbox
Margo Cardwell
Lobbyist | Administrative Law | Ethics , Margo Cardwell, PLLC
Margo Cardwell’s command of both process and politics and adroit mind for policy considerations make her an invaluable asset to clients seeking to influence legislative and regulatory outcomes. Previously she was a tireless facilitator for both the Office of the Speaker and the House, collaborating with members, stakeholders, and state agencies to ensure the smooth passage of bills through the legislative process.
Rules of Engagement
Andy Cates
Political Attorney | Ethics Author | Strategist, Cates Legal Group
Andrew Cates is an accomplished political attorney representing campaigns, nonprofits, associations, PACs, and companies - with experience in local, state, and federal election and ethics laws.
Rules of Engagement
James (Jim) Henson
Texas Politics Project, The University of Texas at Austin
Jim Henson directs the Texas Politics Project at The University of Texas at Austin, where he co-directs the University of Texas/Texas Politics Project Poll and teaches in the Department of Government. He is a frequent commentator on Texas public opinion and politics.
Media Panel
Gromer Jeffers Jr.
The Dallas Morning News
Gromer Jeffers Jr. is a longtime political writer for The Dallas Morning News, covering Texas and national politics, campaigns, and elections.
Media Panel
Brad Johnson
Texas Bullpen
Brad Johnson is a Texas political journalist with Texas Bullpen, covering the Texas Legislature, state government, and elections.
Media Panel
J.R. Johnson
Attorney | Ethics Expert, Butler Snow
J.R. Johnson advises and represents businesses, governmental entities, and political organizations in matters involving legislative or agency action, regulatory implementation, procurement, public information laws, government investigations, and disputes concerning the scope of public authority. Before joining Butler Snow, J.R. served as Executive Director and General Counsel of the Texas Ethics Commission.
Rules of Engagement
Mark P. Jones
Rice University, Baker Institute for Public Policy
Mark P. Jones is a professor of political science at Rice University and a fellow at Rice's Baker Institute for Public Policy, where his research focuses on Texas politics and the Texas Legislature.
Media Panel
Harvey Kronberg
Quorum Report
Harvey Kronberg is the editor and publisher of the Quorum Report, a long-running Austin-based news service covering Texas politics and the Legislature.
Media Panel
Gardner Pate
Founder | Former Chief of Staff to Governor Greg Abbott, Hicks Pate Strategies LLC
Gardner Pate is a government affairs strategist and attorney with extensive experience in Texas politics, public policy, and legislative affairs. He previously served as Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Greg Abbott, as well as Director of Policy and General Counsel to Texas House Speaker Dennis Bonnen.
Rules of Engagement
James (Jim) Tinley
Executive Director, Texas Ethics Commission
Tinley serves as Executive Director of the Texas Ethics Commission, where he oversees the agency responsible for administering and enforcing Texas laws governing campaign finance, lobbying, and government ethics. He joined the Commission in 2014 and previously served as General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel.
