First Hispanic Woman Sworn In As Texas Secretary of State

Esperanza "Hope" Andrade, a San Antonio native from the West Side who was born into a family of cotton farmers, was sworn in as Texas Secretary of State, becoming the first Hispanic woman to fill that position.

She vowed to use her position to "protect the integrity of the election process," and to promote greater voter participation among disenfranchised Texans. She also promised to maintain a business friendly environment for entrepreneurs.

"They say America is another name for opportunity but Texas is the land of unlimited opportunity," Andrade, 58, said in her acceptance speech before hundreds of friends, family supporters and Gov. Rick Perry, who appointed her.

As secretary of state, Andrade will be the state’s chief elections officer, the governor’s liaison on border and Mexico affairs and chief protocol officer for state and international matters.

In remarks before Andrade was sworn in, Perry called his newest appointee "a great champion of San Antonio and a passionate advocate for all Texans."

"It is an honor to have you on our team," he told her.

Photo courtesy of Associated Press