State Representative Nate Schatzline, a Republican from Fort Worth, resigned from the Texas House on Thursday to accept a new role within the administration of Governor Greg Abbott. He will serve as a senior adviser focused on election policy.
According to an announcement from the governor’s office, Schatzline will lead policy development and legislative strategy efforts concerning election integrity. Abbott described Schatzline as a dedicated conservative leader with a proven record in protecting voter voices, citing his service in the Texas House and his previous role in the Trump administration.
Schatzline’s new position comes shortly after Secretary of State Jane Nelson announced her intention to step down in mid-July. Unconfirmed media reports had suggested Schatzline was a potential candidate for that top elections post, though The Texas Tribune could not independently verify those claims.
The lawmaker is expected to prioritize closing Texas’ primary elections during the next legislative session. This goal involves requiring voters to register with a political party to participate in nominating contests. Governor Abbott expressed support for this measure at the Texas GOP convention last month, and party delegates included it in their policy wishlist. Republican activists have long advocated for closed primaries, arguing that independent and Democratic voters have influenced outcomes in GOP contests. Conversely, other Republicans, including U.S. Senator John Cornyn, have opposed the change, warning it could reduce voter participation.
Schatzline has previously attempted to advance similar restrictions. During the 2025 legislative session, he authored House Bill 4059, which would have closed the primaries. The bill was referred to the elections committee but never received a hearing. He also proposed legislation last year to restrict mail-in voting exclusively to residents aged 65 and older. That bill failed and would have eliminated eligibility for individuals with disabilities, those absent from their county, and those confined in jail prior to conviction.
