Secretary of State’s Office

Overview

Appointed by the governor, the secretary of state oversees elections in Texas and grants charters to corporations as well as other functions. Originally, the secretary and staff conducted all business in the Capitol but over time they needed additional space. The secretary retains a private office in the east wing of the Capitol, one of two spaces on the first floor still used as originally designated. The 1990s building restoration retuned the office to its c. 1910 appearance after careful study of a historical photograph and written records. Historic photographs of this important location are extremely limited. If you have knowledge of images of this office before 1960, please contact the State Preservation Board.