Aug 4 (Reuters) - The New York Stock Exchange on Monday

named Bryan Daniel as the president of NYSE Texas, adding

political experience to its leadership ranks as it seeks to

expand in the state and counter rivals.

His background in public policy could be key as NYSE works

to strengthen its presence in a state that hosts the largest

number of companies listed on the exchange.

Daniel is the chair of the Texas Workforce Commission, which

oversees and provides workforce development services to

employers and job seekers of the Lone Star State.

Prior to that, he was also part of Texas Governor Greg

Abbott's senior staff.

Daniel will report to Lynn Martin, president of the NYSE

Group, the company said.

Intercontinental Exchange ( ICE )-owned NYSE has scored some

key wins recently, with AT&T ( T ) and Trump Media & Technology

Group ( DJT ) opting to dual list on NYSE Texas.

Its biggest rival Nasdaq, however, is also

sharpening focus on the state, with plans to open a regional

headquarters there.

Besides, a new venture backed by heavyweights such as

BlackRock ( BLK ) and Citadel Securities, called the Texas Stock

Exchange, is gearing up for a launch next year.

The fierce competition highlights the growth of the state as

a financial hub and a challenger to New York. Corporate giants,

including Elon Musk's Tesla and SpaceX, have moved

their headquarters to Texas in recent years, drawn by what they

view as a more business-friendly legal and regulatory climate.