In March, 2017, Governor Fallin appointed Lopez as Secretary of State and he was confirmed by the Oklahoma Senate in May, 2017.
In January, 2018, Lopez' duties were expanded and his title was changed to Secretary of State, Education and Workforce Development.
Governor Fallin had previously named Lopez to serve as her Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce and Tourism in January, 2011.
Lopez resigned as Secretary of Commerce on August 26, 2013 effective August 30, 2013 after being named as the interim Superintendent of Schools for the Oklahoma City Public School District, succeeding Karl Springer.
Lopez and his wife, Lana, reside in Oklahoma City and have five children and eight grandchildren.