Texas: Governor

The Governor of Texas is the chief executive of the state of Texas and is elected by the citizens every four years. Every eligible voter in the state votes for this position. Therefore, it is not impacted by gerrymandering.

The governor has the power to: sign and veto bills passed by the state legislature, serve as commander-in-chief of the state's military forces, convene special sessions of the legislature, grant reprieves and pardons, and fill vacant positions via appointment. The governor is also responsible for delivering the "State of the State" address and an annual state budget report and budget recommendation.

The Governor's powers, term of office, qualifications, and installation are established by Article 4 of the Texas Constitution.

The position of governor is voted on in the midterm elections, that is, even years that are not presidential election years. Legally, the gubernatorial inauguration is always set for the "first Tuesday after the organization of the Legislature, or as soon thereafter as practicable."

If two candidates tie for the most votes or if an election is contested, a joint session of the legislature shall cast ballots to resolve the issue.

Texas governors do not face any term limits.

As of 2023, the governor’s salary was $153,750, according to the Council of State Governments.

The budget for the Governor's Office in Fiscal Year 2025 was $15,129,312.

Numerous councils, committees, and divisions made up of leaders and experts provide technical assistance on a range of policy areas for the governor. They are as follows:

Appointments Office
Budget and Policy Division
Child Sex Trafficking Team
Commission for Women
Committee on People with Disabilities
Economic Development
Human Resources
Public Safety Office
Regulatory Compliance Division
Sexual Assault Survivors’ Task Force
Small Business Assistance
Texas Film Commission
Texas Military Preparedness Commission
Texas Music Office
Texas Office of State-Federal Relations
Texas Travel
Texas Workforce Investment Council (TWIC)
Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office (TREO)
Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office (TANEO)
Additional Organizations can be found on the Governor’s website.

Contact Information:

Physical Address:
Office of the Governor
State Insurance Building
1100 San Jacinto
Austin, Texas 78701

Mailing Address:
Office of the Governor
P.O. Box 12428
Austin, Texas 78711-2428

Phone: 512-463-2000
Fax: 512-463-1849

Governor’s Website: https://gov.texas.gov/