Though the voters elect the most powerful executive officers, who are then beyond the direct control of the Governor, the Governor appoints the directors of a handful of state agencies. The most significant executive appointment the Governor makes is the Secretary of State, who is in charge of administering elections and maintaining some financial records.

The Governor makes several other appointments that are less prominent but nonetheless are of interest to those who fall within the jurisdiction or service areas of these bodies. These appointments are also useful channels of political patronage. Some examples are the Office of State-Federal Relations, the Office of Housing and Community Affairs, the Texas Film Commission, and the Texas Music Office. Unlike most other agencies in the executive branch, the Governor exercises direct authority over these offices.