Is Robert Black Set To Take Helm As Chief of Staff To Gov. Abbott?

Recent rumors from political circles point to a significant shake-up in the office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott. Speculation is that Robert Black, ERCOT’s Vice President of Public Affairs, is being considered to replace Gardner Pate as Governor Abbott’s Chief of Staff.

The rumor was first reported by Harvey Kronverg’s Quorum Report.

Robert Black brings a wealth of experience to the job, having previously worked with Texas politicians. Black served as Texas Governor Rick Perry’s press secretary and communications director from 2003-2008, and also worked for Representative Tom Craddick and two Texas State Senators.

“Robert has been an indispensable clear voice and trusted advisor in my administration, and has demonstrated a real talent for effectively communicating my long-term vision for Texas, crafting messages in the daily battle of a campaign and guiding media strategy,” Perry said when Black announced his departure from the then-governor’s staff. “He is genuinely motivated by a deep love for Texas, and his advice and counsel in both the political arena and communications strategy will be greatly missed.”

Black has also been a key player in previous Abbott campaigns. In 2002, he worked as a senior communications advisor for Abbott in his attorney general campaign, and worked for him in his 2014 gubernatorial campaign.

Since November 2022, he works as VP of Public Affairs for ERCOT, where he “leads the organization’s external communications, government affairs, and customer support and oversees communications with Texans, state agencies, and lawmakers.”

Gardner Pate, on the other hand, is currently Gov. Abbott’s Chief of Staff, and was appointed in November 2022.

“As Chief of Staff, Gardner Pate’s remarkable wealth of knowledge, unparalleled Capitol experience, and devotion to the State of Texas will strengthen our efforts to keep Texas the best place to live, work, and raise a family,” Abbott said when he announced Pate as his Chief of Staff.

Pate also worked closely in Abbott’s campaigns, as he was chairman of the governor’s 2022 re-election campaign, and worked as operations manager for Texans for Greg Abbott in 2001.

If the rumors of Robert Black stepping into the role of Chief of Staff are true, it could signal a shift in leadership style and priorities within Governor Abbott’s team. However, these rumors remain speculation until official announcements or confirmations are made.