Hope Andrade (File)

AUSTIN (November 20, 2012)--Secretary of State Hope Andrade is stepping down after four years as the chief elections official in Texas.

She submitted her resignation letter to Gov. Rick Perry on Tuesday.

Spokesman Rich Parsons says Andrade felt it was the "right time" to move on after overseeing the state's latest Election Day earlier month.

Andrade was the first Hispanic woman to hold the office and was the fourth-longest serving secretary of state in Texas history.

Her last day will be Friday.

Andrade is a San Antonio entrepreneur whom Perry appointed in 2008.

Perry issued a statement Tuesday saying that Andrade’s “personal commitment to making Texas a place of unlimited opportunity will leave a lasting impression on our state’s future.”

“I’m thankful for her service and I’m proud to call her a friend. I wish her all the best as she continues to make our state a better place,” he said.