AUSTIN – Governor-elect Greg Abbott today announced Cameron County Judge Carlos Cascos as his prospective nominee for Texas Secretary of State, his first appointment as Governor-elect. Appearing with Judge Cascos at an economic development roundtable with a bipartisan group of Rio Grande Valley business and political leaders, and later at a press conference at the Capitol in Austin, Abbott spoke to Cascos’ qualifications to play a vital role in his administration:
“Because the Rio Grande Valley plays such an important role economically and for the future of our state, I will ask for the indulgence of voters in Cameron County for the greater good of the region and the State of Texas as I ask Judge Carlos Cascos to serve as our next Secretary of State,” said Abbott, “I know Judge Cascos will give the Rio Grande Valley a strong voice in Austin and will inspire the next generation of Hispanic leaders as he works on behalf of all Texans.”
“While my heart and roots are here in Cameron County, I owe it to my constituents – and Texans across the Rio Grande Valley – to accept this appointment, subject to Senate confirmation, and ensure that the voices of South Texas are heard at the highest levels of state government,” said Judge Cascos, “Governor-elect Abbott’s decision to choose someone from South Texas as his first appointment demonstrates his continued commitment to the Rio Grande Valley. Our community plays a vital role in Texas’ future, economically and culturally, and our voice needs to be heard loud and clear in Austin.”
About Judge Carlos Cascos:
Carlos Cascos is the current Cameron County Judge, a position he was elected to in 2006. Judge Cascos is a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Government Financial Manager, and a Diplomat of the American Board of Forensic Accounting. Prior to becoming Cameron County’s top elected official, Judge Cascos was a member of the Texas Public Safety Commission, which oversees the Texas Department of Public Safety, a Cameron County Commissioner for 12 years, and was actively involved in many civic organizations.
Born in Matamoros, Mexico, Judge Cascos became a permanent resident of the United States and then a citizen when he was an adolescent. He and his wife, Aurora Candida “Candi” Cascos live in Brownsville and have two adult daughters, Casandra and Andrea.