AUSTIN, TX –

Texas Secretary of State Hope Andrade today submitted her letter of resignation to Governor Rick Perry effective Friday, November 23, 2012. “It has been the highest honor of my professional life to serve as the Secretary of State for the greatest state in our nation,” said Secretary Andrade. “I am truly humbled by the trust and confidence Governor Perry placed in me nearly four and a half years ago and will forever be grateful for the opportunity to represent Texas in this esteemed office.” Secretary Andrade was sworn in as Texas’ first Latina Secretary of State on July 23, 2008. She will leave office as the fourth-longest serving Secretary of State in Texas history. Prior to serving as Texas Secretary of State, Secretary Andrade served as chair of the Texas Transportation Commission. As Texas’ chief elections officer, Secretary Andrade presided over five successful statewide elections. Under her leadership the Secretary of State’s Office has increased outreach and information resources available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to voters seeking information on voter registration and the elections process. In October 2012, voter registration in Texas reached a record high of nearly 13.65 million registered voters. Secretary Andrade is also proud to have worked with Governor Perry promoting Texas economic development throughout the country and the world. The Secretary of State also serves as senior advisor and liaison to the Governor for Texas Border and Mexican Affairs, and serves as Chief International Protocol Officer for Texas. Secretary Andrade is an entrepreneur, successful business owner and native of San Antonio, where she lives with her husband of more than 40 years.