2022 United States secretary of state elections

The 2022 United States secretary of state elections were held on November 8, 2022, to elect the secretaries of state in twenty-seven states.[1] These elections took place concurrently with several other federal, state, and local elections.

2022 United States secretary of state elections

← 2020 November 8, 2022 (2022-11-08) 2023 →

27 secretary of state offices
  Majority party Minority party
 
Party Republican Democratic
Seats before 27 20
Seats after 26 21
Seat change Decrease 1 Increase 1

2022 North Dakota Secretary of State election2022 Washington Secretary of State special election2022 Indiana Secretary of State election2022 Alabama Secretary of State election2022 Arizona Secretary of State election2022 Arkansas Secretary of State election2022 California Secretary of State election2022 Colorado Secretary of State election2022 Connecticut Secretary of State election2022 Georgia Secretary of State election2022 Idaho Secretary of State election2022 Illinois Secretary of State election2022 Iowa Secretary of State election2022 Kansas Secretary of State election2022 Massachusetts Secretary of State election2022 Michigan Secretary of State election2022 Minnesota Secretary of State election2022 Nebraska Secretary of State election2022 Nevada Secretary of State election2022 New Mexico Secretary of State election2022 Ohio Secretary of State election2022 Rhode Island Secretary of State election2022 South Carolina Secretary of State election2022 South Dakota Secretary of State election2022 Vermont Secretary of State election2022 Wisconsin Secretary of State election2022 Wyoming Secretary of State election
     Democratic hold      Democratic gain
     Republican hold
     Secretary of state not elected      No election

The elections for secretary of state had taken on heightened importance due to former President Donald Trump's baseless claims that the 2020 election was stolen. Many had argued that election officials such as secretaries of state could have the power to overturn the 2024 election, should its outcome be disagreeable to the losing candidate. As such, both parties are expending far more resources than in previous cycles on these races.[2][3][4] A coalition of Republican candidates for secretary of state who have endorsed Trump's false claim that the 2020 election was stolen have organized under the America First Secretary of State Coalition slate.[5][6][7]

The previous elections for this group of states took place in 2018. The secretary of state of Vermont serves two-year terms and was last elected in 2020. Additionally, there is a special election being held in Washington (secretary of state elections in Washington are regularly held in presidential election years) due to the resignation of Republican Kim Wyman to take a position in the administration of President Joe Biden.

Going into the election, there were 27 Republican secretaries of state and 20 Democratic secretaries of state.[8] 13 Democratic secretaries of state were up for election, of whom Nellie Gorbea of Rhode Island was term-limited and Katie Hobbs of Arizona, Mark Kohler of Connecticut, Jesse White of Illinois, and Jim Condos of Vermont were retiring. 14 Republican secretaries of state were up for election, of whom John Merrill of Alabama and Barbara Cegavske of Nevada were term-limited, while Lawerence Denney of Idaho, Alvin Jaeger of North Dakota, and Karl Allred of Wyoming were retiring.

Republicans defended one state won by Joe Biden in 2020 (Georgia), while Democrats do not hold any states won by Donald Trump. However, Democrats defended several seats in states Biden won only narrowly, including Arizona, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Furthermore, Democrats had a net gain of one seat in Nevada, another state narrowly won by Biden.

Partisan composition

edit

Going into these elections, this class of secretaries of state is made up of 14 Republicans and 13 Democrats. Additionally, Democrats hold secretary of state offices in three states with Republican governors. By contrast, Republicans hold secretariat offices in two states with Democratic governors.

Election predictions

edit

Several sites and individuals published predictions of competitive seats. These predictions looked at factors such as the strength of the incumbent (if the incumbent is running for re-election), the strength of the candidates, and the partisan leanings of the state (reflected in part by the state's Cook Partisan Voting Index rating). The predictions assigned ratings to each seat, with the rating indicating the predicted advantage that a party has in winning that seat.

Most election predictors use:

  • "tossup": no advantage
  • "tilt" (used by some predictors): advantage that is not quite as strong as "lean"
  • "lean": slight advantage
  • "likely": significant, but surmountable, advantage
  • "safe": near-certain chance of victory
State PVI[9] Incumbent Last
race
Sabato
Nov. 3,
2022
[10]
ED
Nov. 7,
2022
[11]
Result
Alabama R+15 John Merrill (term-limited) 61.0% R Safe R Safe R Wes Allen
Arizona R+3 Katie Hobbs (retiring) 50.4% D Tossup Leans D Adrian Fontes
Arkansas R+16 John Thurston 61.6% R Safe R Safe R John Thurston
California D+14 Shirley Weber Appointed
(2021)[a]
Safe D Safe D Shirley Weber
Colorado D+3 Jena Griswold 52.7% D Leans D Leans D Jena Griswold
Connecticut D+7 Mark Kohler (retiring) Appointed
(2022)[b]
Safe D Safe D Stephanie Thomas
Georgia R+3 Brad Raffensperger 51.89% R Leans R Leans R Brad Raffensperger
Idaho R+19 Lawerence Denney (retiring) 62.5% R Safe R Safe R Phil McGrane
Illinois D+7 Jesse White (retiring) 68.3% D Safe D Safe D Alexi Giannoulias
Indiana R+11 Holli Sullivan
(lost nomination)
Appointed
(2021)[c]
Tossup Likely R Diego Morales
Iowa R+6 Paul Pate 52.7% R Leans R Safe R Paul Pate
Kansas R+11 Scott Schwab 52.6% R Safe R Safe R Scott Schwab
Massachusetts D+14 William F. Galvin 70.8% D Safe D Safe D William F. Galvin
Michigan R+1 Jocelyn Benson 52.9% D Leans D Likely D Jocelyn Benson
Minnesota D+1 Steve Simon 52.3% DFL Leans D Leans D Steve Simon
Nebraska R+13 Bob Evnen 60.6% R Safe R Safe R Bob Evnen
Nevada EVEN Barbara Cegavske (term-limited) 48.9% R Tossup Leans D (flip) Cisco Aguilar (flip)
New Mexico D+3 Maggie Toulouse Oliver 57.8% D Leans D Likely D Maggie Toulouse Oliver
North Dakota R+20 Alvin Jaeger (retiring) 47.3% I[d] Safe R Safe R Michael Howe
Ohio R+6 Frank LaRose 50.7% R Safe R Safe R Frank LaRose
Rhode Island D+8 Nellie Gorbea (term-limited) 67.4% D Safe D Safe D Gregg Amore
South Carolina R+8 Mark Hammond 57.1% R Safe R Safe R Mark Hammond
South Dakota R+16 Steve Barnett
(lost renomination)
65.2% R Safe R Safe R Monae Johnson
Vermont D+15 James C. Condos (retiring) 57.9% D Safe D Safe D Sarah Copeland-Hanzas
Washington (special) D+8 Steve Hobbs Appointed
(2021)[e]
Leans D Leans D Steve Hobbs
Wisconsin R+2 Doug La Follette 52.7% D Tossup Leans R (flip) Doug La Follette
Wyoming R+26 Karl Allred (retiring) Appointed
(2022)[f]
Safe R Safe R Chuck Gray

Race summary

edit

States

edit
State Secretary
of state
Party First
elected
Status Candidates[12]
Alabama John Merrill Republican 2014 Incumbent term-limited.
New secretary elected.
Republican hold.
  •  Y Wes Allen (Republican) 65.9%
  • Pamela Laffitte (Democratic) 31.1%
  • Matt Shelby (Libertarian) 3.0%
Arizona Katie Hobbs Democratic 2018 Incumbent retired to run for governor of Arizona.[13]
New secretary elected.
Democratic hold.
Arkansas John Thurston Republican 2018 Incumbent re-elected.
  •  Y John Thurston (Republican) 67.0%
  • Anna Beth Gorman (Democratic) 33.0%
California Shirley Weber Democratic 2021[g] Interim appointee elected.
  •  Y Shirley Weber (Democratic) 60.1%
  • Rob Bernosky (Republican) 39.9%
Colorado Jena Griswold Democratic 2018 Incumbent re-elected.
  •  Y Jena Griswold (Democratic) 55.1%
  • Pam Anderson (Republican) 42.1%
Others
  • Bennett Rutledge (Libertarian) 1.5%
  • Amanda Campbell (Constitution) 0.7%
  • Gary Swing (Unity) 0.5%
  • Jan Kok (Approval Voting) 0.2%
Connecticut Mark Kohler Democratic 2022[h] Interim appointee retired.[14]
New secretary elected.
Democratic hold.
  •  Y Stephanie Thomas (Democratic) 55.2%
  • Dominic Rapini (Republican) 42.7%
  • Cynthia Jennings (Independent) 2.1%
Georgia Brad Raffensperger Republican 2018 Incumbent re-elected.
Idaho Lawerence Denney Republican 2014 Incumbent retired.[15]
New secretary elected.
Republican hold.
  •  Y Phil McGrane (Republican) 72.5%
  • Shawn Keenan (Democratic) 27.5%
Illinois Jesse White Democratic 1998 Incumbent retired.[16]
New secretary elected.
Democratic hold.
Indiana Holli Sullivan Republican 2021[i] Interim appointee lost nomination.
New secretary elected.
Republican hold.
  •  Y Diego Morales (Republican) 54.1%
  • Destiny Scott Wells (Democratic) 40.2%
  • Jeff Maurer (Libertarian) 5.7%
Iowa Paul Pate Republican 2014 Incumbent re-elected.
  •  Y Paul Pate (Republican) 60.1%
  • Joel Miller (Democratic) 39.9%
Kansas Scott Schwab Republican 2018 Incumbent re-elected.
  •  Y Scott Schwab (Republican) 58.5%
  • Jeanna Repass (Democratic) 38.8%
  • Cullene Lang (Libertarian) 2.8%
Massachusetts William F. Galvin Democratic 1994 Incumbent re-elected.
Michigan Jocelyn Benson Democratic 2018 Incumbent re-elected.
  •  Y Jocelyn Benson (Democratic) 55.9%
  • Kristina Karamo (Republican) 41.9%
Others
  • Gregory Stempfle (Libertarian) 1.2%
  • Christine Schwartz (U.S. Taxpayers) 0.6%
  • Larry Hutchinson (Green) 0.4%
Minnesota Steve Simon DFL 2014 Incumbent re-elected.
  •  Y Steve Simon (DFL) 54.6%
  • Kim Crockett (Republican) 45.4%
Nebraska Bob Evnen Republican 2018 Incumbent re-elected.  Y Bob Evnen (Republican)
Nevada Barbara Cegavske Republican 2014 Incumbent term-limited.
New secretary elected.
Democratic gain.
Others
New Mexico Maggie Toulouse Oliver Democratic 2016
(special)
Incumbent re-elected.
  •  Y Maggie Toulouse Oliver (Democratic) 54.5%
  • Audrey Trujillo (Republican) 42.6%
  • Mayna Erika Myers (Libertarian) 2.8%
North Dakota Alvin Jaeger Republican 1992 Incumbent retired.[17]
New secretary elected.
Republican hold.
  •  Y Michael Howe (Republican) 63.3%
  • Jeffrey Powell (Democratic–NPL) 27.5%
  • Charles Tuttle (Independent) 9.2%
Ohio Frank LaRose Republican 2018 Incumbent re-elected.
  •  Y Frank LaRose (Republican) 59.5%
  • Chelsea Clark (Democratic) 39.4%
  • Terpsehore Tore Maras (Independent) 1.0%
Rhode Island Nellie Gorbea Democratic 2014 Incumbent term-limited.
New secretary elected.
Democratic hold.
  •  Y Gregg Amore (Democratic) 59.6%
  • Pat Cortellessa (Republican) 40.4%
South Carolina Mark Hammond Republican 2002 Incumbent re-elected.
  •  Y Mark Hammond (Republican) 63.4%
  • Rosemounda Peggy Butler (Democratic) 36.6%
South Dakota Steve Barnett Republican 2018 Incumbent lost renomination.
New secretary elected.
Republican hold.
  •  Y Monae Johnson (Republican) 63.9%
  • Thomas Cool (Democratic) 36.1%
Vermont Jim Condos Democratic 2010 Incumbent retired.[18]
New secretary elected.
Democratic hold.
Washington
(special)
Steve Hobbs Democratic 2021[j] Interim appointee elected.
  •  Y Steve Hobbs (Democratic) 49.8%
  • Julie Anderson (Independent) 45.8%
Wisconsin Doug La Follette Democratic 1982 Incumbent re-elected.
Wyoming Karl Allred Republican 2022[k] Interim appointee retired.[19]
New secretary elected.
Republican hold.
 Y Chuck Gray (Republican)

Closest races

edit

States where the margin of victory was under 1%:

  1. Wisconsin, 0.29%

States where the margin of victory was under 5%:

  1. Nevada, 2.28%
  2. Washington, 3.95%
  3. Arizona, 4.77%

States where the margin of victory was under 10%:

  1. Minnesota, 9.16%
  2. Georgia, 9.24%
  3. Illinois, 9.73%

Blue denotes races won by Democrats. Red denotes races won by Republicans.

Alabama

edit
Alabama Secretary of State election
 
← 2018
2026 →
 
Nominee Wes Allen Pamela Laffitte
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 923,206 435,558
Percentage 65.9% 31.1%

 
County results
Allen:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90%
Laffitte:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

Secretary of State before election

John Merrill
Republican

Elected Secretary of State

Wes Allen
Republican

Incumbent Republican John Merrill was term-limited. Republican state representative Wes Allen, election administrator Ed Packard, Alabama State Auditor Jim Zeigler and activist Christian Horn ran for the seat.[20] Corrections officer Pamela Laffitte was the only Democratic candidate in that party's primary.[20]

Allen won his runoff on June 21, while Laffitte won her primary on May 24.

Allen won the general election.

Arizona

edit
Arizona Secretary of State election
 
← 2018
2026 →
     
Nominee Adrian Fontes Mark Finchem
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 1,320,619 1,200,411
Percentage 52.4% 47.6%

 
County results
Fontes:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Finchem:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

Secretary of State before election

Katie Hobbs
Democratic

Elected Secretary of State

Adrian Fontes
Democratic

Incumbent Democrat Katie Hobbs retired to run for governor.[13]

Democratic primary candidates included minority leader of the Arizona House of Representatives Reginald Bolding and former Maricopa County recorder Adrian Fontes.[21]

Republican primary candidates included state representatives Shawnna Bolick and Mark Finchem, advertising executive Beau Lane, and state senator Michelle Ugenti-Rita.[21]

Fontes and Finchem won their respective primaries on August 2.

Fontes won the general election.

Arkansas

edit
Arkansas Secretary of State election
 
← 2018
2026 →
     
Candidate John Thurston Anna Beth Gorman
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 597,806 292,488
Percentage 67.1% 32.9%

 
County results
Thurston:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%
Gorman:      50–60%

Secretary of State before election

John Thurston
Republican

Elected Secretary of State

John Thurston
Republican

Incumbent Republican John Thurston ran for re-election. Former state representative Eddie Joe Williams unsuccessfully challenged Thurston in the Republican primary.[22]

Democratic primary candidates included executive director of the Women's Foundation of Arkansas Anna Beth Gorman and former Pulaski County election commissioner Josh Price.[22]

Thurston and Gorman won their respective primaries on May 24.

Thurston won re-election.

California

edit
California Secretary of State election
 
← 2018
2026 →
     
Candidate Shirley Weber Rob Bernosky
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 6,462,159 4,298,526
Percentage 60.1% 39.9%

 
County results
Weber:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%
Bernosky:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

Secretary of State before election

Shirley Weber
Democratic

Elected Secretary of State

Shirley Weber
Democratic

Incumbent Democrat Shirley Weber ran for election to a full term.[23]

Republican primary candidates included chief financial officer Rob Bernosky, author Rachel Hamm, Teamster truck driver James "J. W." Paine, and retired warehouseman Raul Rodriguez Jr.[23]

Teacher Gary B. Blenner ran as the Green Party candidate, while private investigator Matthew D. Cinquanta ran as an independent.[23]

Weber and Bernosky advanced from the nonpartisan blanket primary on June 7.

Weber won re-election.

Colorado

edit
Colorado Secretary of State election
 
← 2018
2026 →
     
Nominee Jena Griswold Pam Anderson
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 1,369,040 1,045,582
Percentage 55.1% 42.1%

 
County results
Griswold:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Anderson:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%

Secretary of State before election

Jena Griswold
Democratic

Elected Secretary of State

Jena Griswold
Democratic

Incumbent Democrat Jena Griswold ran for re-election.[24]

Republican primary candidates included former Jefferson County clerk Pam Anderson, former head of the nonprofit Colorado Lending Source Mike O'Donnell, and Mesa County clerk Tina Peters.[24] Walter James Rutledge ran as a Libertarian.[24]

Griswold and Anderson won their respective primaries on June 28.

Griswold won re-election.

Connecticut

edit
Connecticut Secretary of State election
 
← 2018 November 8, 2022 2026 →
     
Nominee Stephanie Thomas Dominic Rapini
Party Democratic Republican
Alliance Working Families
Popular vote 687,714 532,218
Percentage 55.2% 42.7%

 
 
Thomas:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%
Rapini:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%

Secretary of State before election

Mark Kohler
Democratic

Elected Secretary of State

Stephanie Thomas
Democratic

Incumbent Democrat Mark Kohler retired, having been appointed to the position after Denise Merrill resigned early.[25] Democratic primary candidates included New Haven health director Maritza Bond and state representative Stephanie Thomas.[26]

Republican primary candidates included Apple senior account manager Dominic Rapini, New Britain executive mayoral aide Brock Weber, and state representative Terrie Wood.[26]

Environmental attorney Cynthia Jennings ran on the Independent Party of Connecticut ticket.[26] Harold Harris ran as a Libertarian, while Douglas Lary ran as the Green Party candidate.[26]

Thomas and Rapini won their respective primaries on August 9.[27]

Thomas won the election.

Georgia

edit
Georgia Secretary of State election
 
← 2018 November 8, 2022 2026 →
Turnout57.02%  
   
Nominee Brad Raffensperger Bee Nguyen
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 2,081,421 1,719,922
Percentage 53.2% 44.0%

 
County results
Raffensperger:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      <90%
Nguyen:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%

Secretary of State before election

Brad Raffensperger
Republican

Elected Secretary of State

Brad Raffensperger
Republican

Incumbent Republican Brad Raffensperger ran for re-election.[28] Other Republican candidates included U.S. Representative for Georgia's 10th congressional district Jody Hice, former Treutlen County probate judge T. J. Hudson, and former Alpharetta mayor David Belle Isle.[28]

Democratic primary candidates included former state representative Dee Dawkins-Haigler, former Fulton County chairman John Eaves, former Milledgeville mayor Floyd Griffin, state representative Bee Nguyen, and former chair of the Cobb County Democratic party Michael Owens.[28]

Ted Metz ran as a Libertarian.[29]

Raffensperger won his primary on May 24, while Nguyen won her runoff on June 21.

Raffensperger won re-election in the general election.

Idaho

edit
Idaho Secretary of State election
 
← 2018
2026 →
 
Nominee Phil McGrane Shawn Keenan
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 418,937 159,087
Percentage 72.5% 27.5%

 
County results
McGrane:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%
Keenan:      50–60%      60–70%

Secretary of State before election

Lawerence Denney
Republican

Elected Secretary of State

Phil McGrane
Republican

Incumbent Republican Lawerence Denney retired.[15] Republican primary candidates included Ada County clerk Phil McGrane, state representative Dorothy Moon, and state senator Mary Souza.[15]

Shawn Keenan was the only Democratic candidate.[15]

McGrane and Keenan won their respective primaries on May 17.

McGrane won the general election.

Illinois

edit
Illinois Secretary of State election
 
← 2018
2026 →
     
Nominee Alexi Giannoulias Dan Brady
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 2,220,713 1,783,070
Percentage 54.3% 43.6%

 
County results
Giannoulias:      40–50%      50–60%      70–80%
Brady:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%

Secretary of State before election

Jesse White
Democratic

Elected Secretary of State

Alexi Giannoulias
Democratic

Incumbent Democrat Jesse White retired.[16]

Democratic candidates included former Illinois state treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, Chicago alderman David Moore, Cook County resident Sidney Moore, and city clerk of Chicago Anna Valencia.[30]

Republican candidates included deputy minority leader of the Illinois House of Representatives Dan Brady, former United States Attorney for the Central District of Illinois John C. Milhiser, and former Chicago police sergeant Michelle Turney.[30]

Giannoulias and Brady won their respective primaries on June 28.

Giannoulias won the election.

Indiana

edit
Indiana Secretary of State election
 
← 2018 November 8, 2022 2026 →
   
Nominee Diego Morales Destiny Wells Jeff Maurer
Party Republican Democratic Libertarian
Popular vote 999,893 742,624 104,519
Percentage 54.1% 40.2% 5.7%

 
County results
Morales:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Wells:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%

Secretary of State before election

Holli Sullivan
Republican

Elected Secretary of State

Diego Morales
Republican

Incumbent Republican Holli Sullivan was appointed by governor Eric Holcomb after the previous secretary, Connie Lawson, resigned. Sullivan ran for a full term.[31] Other Republican candidates included Newton County commissioner Kyle Conrad,[32] perennial candidate Paul Hager,[33] and former aide to governor Mike Pence and candidate for Indiana's 4th congressional district in 2018 Diego Morales.[31]

The only Democratic candidate is former deputy attorney general Destiny Scott Wells.[31]

Jeff Maurer ran as a Libertarian.[31]

Morales won the nomination at the Republican state convention on June 18. He also won the general election.

Iowa

edit
Iowa Secretary of State election
 
← 2018
2026 →
   
Nominee Paul Pate Joel Miller
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 723,084 480,178
Percentage 60.1% 39.9%

 
County results
Pate:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%
Miller:      50–60%      60–70%

Secretary of State before election

Paul Pate
Republican

Elected Secretary of State

Paul Pate
Republican

Incumbent Republican Paul Pate ran for re-election.[34]

Democratic primary candidates included Linn County auditor Joel Miller and Clinton County auditor Eric Van Lancker.[34]

Pate and Miller won their respective primaries on June 7.

Pate won re-election.

Kansas

edit
Kansas Secretary of State election
 
← 2018 November 8, 2022 2026 →
     
Nominee Scott Schwab Jeanna Repass
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 580,908 386,661
Percentage 58.4% 38.8%

 
County results
Schwab:      40-50%      50-60%      60-70%      70-80%      80-90%      >90%
Repass:      50-60%      60-70%

Secretary of State before election

Scott Schwab
Republican

Elected Secretary of State

Scott Schwab
Republican

Incumbent Republican Scott Schwab ran for re-election.[35] He faced an unsuccessful primary challenge from Michael Brown, former member of the Johnson County Commission.[35]

The only Democratic candidate was former director of urban outreach for the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection Jeanna Repass.[35]

Schwab won re-election in the general election.

Massachusetts

edit
Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth election
 
← 2018 November 8, 2022 2026 →
     
Nominee William Galvin Rayla Campbell
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 1,665,808 722,021
Percentage 67.7% 29.3%

 

 

Galvin:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90%
Campbell:      40–50%      50–60%

Secretary of the Commonwealth before election

William Galvin
Democratic

Elected Secretary of the Commonwealth

William Galvin
Democratic

Incumbent Democrat William F. Galvin ran for re-election.[36] Tanisha Sullivan, president of the Boston chapter of the NAACP, challenged Galvin in the Democratic primary.[36]

The only Republican candidate was former dental assistant and insurance claims manager Rayla Campbell.[36]

Galvin won re-election.

Michigan

edit
Michigan Secretary of State election
 
← 2018
2026 →
     
Nominee Jocelyn Benson Kristina Karamo
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 2,467,859 1,852,510
Percentage 55.9% 41.9%

 
Benson:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Karamo:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

Secretary of State before election

Jocelyn Benson
Democratic

Elected Secretary of State

Jocelyn Benson
Democratic

Incumbent Democrat Jocelyn Benson ran for re-election.[37]

Republican primary candidates included Chesterfield Township clerk Cindy Berry,[38] Republican activist Kristina Karamo,[39] state representative Beau LaFave[40] and Plainfield Township clerk Cathleen Postmus.[41]

Karamo won the August 2 Republican primary.

Benson won re-election.

Minnesota

edit
Minnesota Secretary of State election
 
← 2018 November 8, 2022 2026 →
     
Nominee Steve Simon Kim Crockett
Party Democratic (DFL) Republican
Popular vote 1,345,685 1,119,949
Percentage 54.5% 45.4%

 
 
 
 
Simon:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Crockett:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

Secretary of State before election

Steve Simon
Democratic (DFL)

Elected Secretary of State

Steve Simon
Democratic (DFL)

Incumbent Democrat Steve Simon ran for re-election.[42] He faced an unsuccessful primary challenge from Steve Carlson.[42]

Republican primary candidates included Kim Crockett, former vice president of the conservative think tank Center of the American Experiment, and author Erik van Mechelen.[42]

Crockett won her primary on August 9.

Simon won re-election.

Nebraska

edit
Nebraska Secretary of State election
 
← 2018
2026 →
   
Nominee Bob Evnen
Party Republican

Secretary of State before election

Bob Evnen
Republican

Elected Secretary of State

Bob Evnen
Republican

Incumbent Republican Bob Evnen ran for re-election.[43] Former Palmyra fire chief Rex Schroder and Robert J. Borer challenged him in the Republican primary.[43]

Evnen won his primary on May 10. He won re-election.

Nevada

edit
Nevada Secretary of State election
 
← 2018
2026 →
     
Nominee Cisco Aguilar Jim Marchant
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 496,569 473,467
Percentage 48.9% 46.7%

 
County results
Aguilar:      50–60%
Marchant:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%

Secretary of State before election

Barbara Cegavske
Republican

Elected Secretary of State

Cisco Aguilar
Democratic

Incumbent Republican Barbara Cegavske was term-limited and cannot seek a third term.

Republican candidates included Sparks city councilman Kristopher Dahir, entrepreneur John Cardiff Gerhardt, former state senator Jesse Haw, businesswoman Socorro Kennan, former member of the Nevada Assembly Jim Marchant, former news anchor Gerard Ramalho, and former Nevada 8th judicial district court judge Richard Scotti.[44]

The only Democratic primary candidate was former Harry Reid staffer Cisco Aguilar.[44] Janine Hansen is running as the candidate of the Independent American Party, while Ross Crane is running as a Libertarian.[44]

Marchant and Aguilar won their respective primaries on June 14.

Aguilar narrowly won the general election.

New Mexico

edit
New Mexico Secretary of State election
 
← 2018
2026 →
     
Nominee Maggie Toulouse Oliver Audrey Trujillo
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 384,526 300,763
Percentage 54.5% 42.6%

 
County results
Oliver:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Trujillo:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%

Secretary of State before election

Maggie Toulouse Oliver
Democratic

Elected Secretary of State

Maggie Toulouse Oliver
Democratic

Incumbent Democrat Maggie Toulouse Oliver ran for re-election.[45] Republican rancher Audrey Trujillo challenged Oliver.[45] Libertarian candidate Mayna Erika Myers was also running.[45]

Oliver and Trujillo won their respective primaries on June 7.

Oliver won re-election.

North Dakota

edit
North Dakota Secretary of State election
 
← 2018
 
Nominee Michael Howe Jeffrey Powell
Party Republican Democratic–NPL
Popular vote 147,410 64,041
Percentage 63.3% 27.5%

 
County results
Howe:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%
Powell:      50–60%

Secretary of State before election

Alvin Jaeger
Republican

Elected Secretary of State

Michael Howe
Republican

Incumbent Republican Alvin Jaeger retired.[17] State representative Michael Howe and businessman Marvin Lepp ran in the Republican primary.[46]

The only Democratic primary candidate was Mayville State University administrator Jeffrey Powell.[46]

Howe and Powell won their respective primaries on June 14.

Howe won the general election.

Ohio

edit
Ohio Secretary of State election
 
← 2018
2026 →
     
Nominee Frank LaRose Chelsea Clark
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 2,444,382 1,635,824
Percentage 59.3% 39.7%

 
County results

LaRose:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%

Clark:      50–60%      60–70%

Secretary of State before election

Frank LaRose
Republican

Elected Secretary of State

Frank LaRose
Republican

Incumbent Republican Frank LaRose ran for re-election.[47] Former member of the Ohio House of Representatives John Adams unsuccessfully challenged him for the Republican nomination.[47]

The only Democratic candidate was Forest Park councilmember Chelsea Clark.[47]

Podcaster Terpsehore Tore Maras, also known as Terpsichore "Tore" Maras-Lindeman, initially challenged LaRose in the primary, but was disqualified. She is now running as an Independent.[48]

LaRose and Clark won their respective primaries on May 3.

LaRose easily won re-election.

Rhode Island

edit
Rhode Island Secretary of State election
 
← 2018 November 8, 2022 2026 →
     
Nominee Gregg Amore Pat Cortellessa
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 208,981 141,457
Percentage 59.5% 40.3%

 
 
Amore:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%
Cortellessa:      50–60%

Secretary of State before election

Nellie Gorbea
Democratic

Elected Secretary of State

Gregg Amore
Democratic

Incumbent Democrat Nellie Gorbea was term-limited and couldn't seek a third term. Democratic candidates included state representative Gregg Amore, Stephanie Beaute, and tax preparer Anthony Tamba.[49]

The only Republican candidate was perennial candidate Pat Cortellessa.[49]

Cannabis activist Anne Armstrong ran as an independent.[49]

Amore won the election.

South Carolina

edit
South Carolina Secretary of State election
 
← 2018
2026 →
     
Nominee Mark Hammond Rosemounda Peggy Butler
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 1,071,907 619,089
Percentage 63.4% 36.6%

 
County results
Hammond:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Butler:      50–60%      60–70%

Secretary of State before election

Mark Hammond
Republican

Elected Secretary of State

Mark Hammond
Republican

Incumbent Republican Mark Hammond ran for re-election.[50] He faced an unsuccessful primary challenge from businessman Keith Blandford.[50]

The only Democratic primary candidate was Rosemounda Peggy Butler.[50]

Hammond and Butler won their respective primaries on June 14.

Hammond won re-election.

South Dakota

edit
South Dakota Secretary of State election
 
← 2018
2026 →
 
Nominee Monae Johnson Thomas Cool
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 212,320 119,961
Percentage 63.9% 36.1%

 
County results

Johnson:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90%

Cool:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%

Secretary of State before election

Steve Barnett
Republican

Elected Secretary of State

Monae Johnson
Republican

Incumbent Republican Steve Barnett ran for re-election.[51] He faced a successful primary challenge from secretary of state office worker Monae Johnson, who won the nomination at the Republican state convention on June 25.[51]

Thomas Cool was the Democratic nominee.[51]

Barnett won re-election.

Vermont

edit
Vermont Secretary of State election
 
← 2020 November 8, 2022 2024 →
     
Nominee Sarah Copeland-Hanzas H. Brooke Paige
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 179,087 95,666
Percentage 61.3% 32.8%

 
County results
Copeland-Hanzas:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%
Paige:      50–60%

Secretary of State before election

Jim Condos
Democratic

Elected Secretary of State

Sarah Copeland-Hanzas
Democratic

Incumbent Democrat Jim Condos retired.[18] Democratic candidates included state representative Sarah Copeland-Hanzas, Montpelier city clerk John Odum, and Deputy Secretary of State Chris Winters.[52] Copeland-Hanzas won the August 9 primary. The only Republican candidate was perennial candidate H. Brooke Paige.[52] Robert Millar ran as the candidate of the Vermont Progressive Party.[52]

Copeland-Hanzas won the general election.

Washington (special)

edit
Washington Secretary of State special election
 
← 2020
2024 →
     
Nominee Steve Hobbs Julie Anderson
Party Democratic Nonpartisan
Popular vote 1,468,521 1,351,926
Percentage 49.8% 45.8%

 
County results

Hobbs:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%

Anderson:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

Secretary of State before election

Steve Hobbs
Democratic

Elected Secretary of State

Steve Hobbs
Democratic

Incumbent Democrat Steve Hobbs was appointed November 22, 2021, after his predecessor, Kim Wyman, resigned. He is running in the special election.[53] He faced an intraparty primary challenge from Marquez Tiggs.[53]

Republican candidates included conspiracy theorist Tamborine Borrelli, Bob Hagglund, former state senator Mark Miloscia, and state senator Keith Wagoner.[53]

Kurtis Engle ran as the candidate of the Union Party, while Pierce County auditor Julie Anderson ran as a nonpartisan.[53]

Hobbs and Anderson advanced from the all-party primary to the general election on August 2.

State representative Brad Klippert, formerly a candidate for congress, ran a write-in campaign.[54]

Hobbs narrowly won the general election.

Wisconsin

edit
Wisconsin Secretary of State election
 
← 2018
2026 →
     
Nominee Doug La Follette Amy Loudenbeck
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 1,268,748 1,261,306
Percentage 48.3% 48.0%

 
County results
La Follette:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Loudenbeck:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

Secretary of State before election

Doug La Follette
Democratic

Elected Secretary of State

Doug La Follette
Democratic

Incumbent Democrat Doug La Follette ran for re-election.[55] Dane County Democratic party chair Alexia Sabor challenged him in the Democratic primary.[55]

Republican candidates included assemblywoman Amy Loudenbeck, former firefighter Daniel Schmidtka, and businessman Jay Schroeder.[55]

Neil Harmon ran as a Libertarian, while Sharyl McFarland ran as an independent.[55]

La Follette and Loudenbeck won their respective primaries on August 9.

La Follette barely won re-election.

Wyoming

edit
Wyoming Secretary of State election
 
← 2018 November 8, 2022 2026 →
 
Nominee Chuck Gray Write-ins
Party Republican
Popular vote 147,368 13,574
Percentage 91.57% 8.43%

 
County results
Gray:      70–80%      80–90%      >90%

Secretary of State before election

Karl Allred (acting)
Republican

Elected Secretary of State

Chuck Gray
Republican

Incumbent Republican Edward Buchanan did not seek re-election and resigned before the end of his term.[56] Governor Mark Gordon appointed Karl Allred to serve as interim secretary. Allred is not on the general election ballot.[19]

Republican primary candidates included geologist Mark Armstrong, state representative Chuck Gray, and state senator Tara Nethercott.[57]

Gray won the primary on August 16.[58] He also won the general election.

Notes

edit
  1. ^ Democrat Alex Padilla won with 64.5% of the vote in 2018, but resigned on January 18, 2021 to become U.S. Senator.
  2. ^ Democrat Denise Merrill won with 55.9% of the vote in 2018, but resigned on June 30, 2022.
  3. ^ Republican Connie Lawson won with 56.2% of the vote in 2018, but resigned on February 15, 2021.
  4. ^ Jaeger withdrew from the Republican primary after not receiving the party nomination, and instead successfully ran as an independent.
  5. ^ Republican Kim Wyman won with 53.6% of the vote in 2020, but resigned on November 19, 2021.
  6. ^ Republican Edward Buchanan won with 68.8% of the vote in 2018, but resigned on September 17, 2022.
  7. ^ Weber took office after her predecessor (Alex Padilla) resigned.
  8. ^ Kohler took office after his predecessor (Denise Merrill) resigned.
  9. ^ Sullivan took office after her predecessor (Connie Lawson) resigned.
  10. ^ Hobbs took office after his predecessor (Kim Wyman) resigned.
  11. ^ Allred took office after his predecessor (Edward Buchanan) resigned.

References

edit
  1. ^ "Secretary of State elections, 2022". ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia. Retrieved 5 January 2022.
  2. ^ Montellaro, Zach (18 April 2022). "Who will run the 2024 election? They're on your ballot in 2022". Politico. Retrieved 2022-04-18.
  3. ^ Lucas, Fred (2022-01-07). "Trump helps thrust once-ignored secretary of state campaigns into big donor spotlight". Fox News. Retrieved 2022-04-18.
  4. ^ "Fmr. GOP Secretary of State: "glad a spotlight" is shining on election deniers running for office". MSNBC.com. Retrieved 2022-04-18.
  5. ^ Berzon, Alexandra (2022-06-05). "In Races to Run Elections, Candidates Are Backed by Key 2020 Deniers". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2022-06-05.
  6. ^ Sommer, Will (2022-06-01). "This QAnon Leader Could Control Key Elections in 2024". The Daily Beast. Retrieved 2022-06-05.
  7. ^ Montgomery, David (February 28, 2022). "Who Wants to be a State Secretary of State? Everyone". Washington Post.
  8. ^ "Secretary of State (state executive office)". Ballotpedia. Retrieved 2022-04-18.
  9. ^ "2016 State PVI Changes – Decision Desk HQ". decisiondeskhq.com. December 15, 2017. Archived from the original on June 13, 2018. Retrieved December 11, 2018.
  10. ^ Jacobson, Louis (11 August 2022). "Secretary of State Races: Election Deniers Carry GOP Banner in Several Key States". www.centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/. Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved 11 August 2022.
  11. ^ Solomon, Zack (November 7, 2022). "Elections Daily Secretary of State Ratings". Elections Daily. Retrieved November 29, 2022.
  12. ^ "Secretary of State Midterm Election 2022: Live Updates, Results & Map". www.nbcnews.com. Retrieved 2022-11-14.
  13. ^ a b Oxford, Andrew (June 2, 2021). "Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs announces bid for governor". www.azcentral.com. Retrieved January 5, 2022.
  14. ^ Pazniokas, Mark (June 30, 2022). "Mark Kohler appointed CT Secretary of the State to complete Merrill's term". The Connecticut Mirror. Retrieved June 30, 2022.
  15. ^ a b c d "Official List of All Candidate Declarations for 2022" (PDF). Idaho Secretary of State. Retrieved March 18, 2022.
  16. ^ a b "Jesse White won't seek re-election in 2022". www.wandtv.com. WAND (TV). August 15, 2019. Retrieved January 5, 2022.
  17. ^ a b Woosley-Collins, Hannah; Quallich, Nicholas (July 7, 2021). "Secretary of State Al Jaeger to retire in 2022". www.kxnet.com. KXMB-TV. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
  18. ^ a b Mearhoff, Sarah (February 15, 2022). "Secretary of State Jim Condos announces retirement after 11 years in post". VTDigger. Retrieved February 15, 2022.
  19. ^ a b Harris, Maya (September 29, 2022). "Gov. Gordon appoints Karl Allred as interim secretary of state". Casper Star-Tribune. Retrieved September 30, 2022.
  20. ^ a b "2022 Election Information". Alabama Secretary of State. Retrieved March 8, 2022.
  21. ^ a b "2022 Primary Election". State of Arizona. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  22. ^ a b "Arkansas 2022 Candidates for Federal and State Elections". Talk Business and Politics. Retrieved March 11, 2022.
  23. ^ a b c "Primary Election – June 7, 2022". Archived from the original on March 26, 2022. Retrieved March 26, 2022.
  24. ^ a b c "2022 Official General Election Candidate List". Colorado Secretary of State. Retrieved September 14, 2022.
  25. ^ Pazniokas, Mark (June 28, 2022). "Denise Merrill, CT Secretary of the State, resigning to care for her husband". The Connecticut Mirror. Retrieved June 30, 2022.
  26. ^ a b c d "Candidate Registration List for Election Year 2022". Connecticut State Elections Enforcement Commission. Retrieved June 26, 2022.
  27. ^ "Connecticut Primary Election Results". The New York Times. August 9, 2022. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  28. ^ a b c "Qualifying Candidate Information". Georgia Secretary of State. Retrieved March 18, 2022.
  29. ^ "Candidates confirmed for 2022 election in Georgia as qualifying ends – WABE". Wabe.org. 11 March 2022. Retrieved 2022-05-15.
  30. ^ a b "Candidate List General Primary – 6/28/22". Illinois State Board of Elections. Retrieved March 21, 2022.
  31. ^ a b c d Lange, Kaitlin (June 18, 2022). "GOP delegates buck establishment, nominate Morales over Sullivan for secretary of state". The Indianapolis Star. Retrieved June 18, 2022.
  32. ^ "Newton County native announces run for Secretary of State". www.newsbug.info. 2 December 2021. Retrieved 6 January 2022.
  33. ^ "Crowded GOP field for Indiana State Treasurer's Post". www.953mnc.com. 2 August 2021. Retrieved 6 January 2022.
  34. ^ a b "Candidate List: June 7, 2022 Primary Election" (PDF). Iowa Secretary of State. Retrieved March 25, 2022.
  35. ^ a b c "Candidates for the 2022 Primary". Kansas Secretary of State. Retrieved June 2, 2022.
  36. ^ a b c "2022 State Election Candidates". Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Retrieved June 16, 2022.
  37. ^ Friess, Steve (February 7, 2022). "Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson Gears up for a Reelection Fight". Hour Detroit. Retrieved June 6, 2022.
  38. ^ "Chesterfield Township Clerk Cindy Berry joins race for Michigan secretary of state". www.voicenews.com. 25 October 2021. Retrieved 6 January 2022.
  39. ^ Barrett, Malachi (13 May 2021). "Republican who challenged Michigan election results now running for Secretary of State". www.mlive.com. Retrieved 6 January 2022.
  40. ^ Mauger, Craig (4 October 2021). "Michigan GOP lawmaker announces secretary of state campaign". www.detroitnews.com. The Detroit News. Retrieved 6 January 2022.
  41. ^ Mauger, Craig (7 September 2021). "Donald Trump backs Michigan election critic for secretary of state". www.detroitnews.com. The Detroit News. Retrieved 11 January 2022.
  42. ^ a b c "Candidate Filings 2022 State General Election". Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State. Retrieved June 1, 2022.
  43. ^ a b "Statewide Candidate List" (PDF). Nebraska Secretary of State. March 9, 2022. Retrieved March 11, 2022.
  44. ^ a b c "2022 Statewide and Multi-County Candidate Filing – By Office". Nevada Secretary of State. Retrieved March 26, 2022.
  45. ^ a b c "2022 Primary Election Contest/Candidate List". New Mexico Secretary of State. Retrieved March 11, 2022.
  46. ^ a b "2022 Primary Election Contest/Candidate List". North Dakota Secretary of State. Retrieved April 16, 2022.
  47. ^ a b c "Filings for the 2022 Primary Election Released". Ohio Secretary of State. February 3, 2022. Retrieved May 4, 2022.
  48. ^ "Election denier makes Ohio ballot for secretary of state". Rapid City Journal. July 19, 2022. Retrieved July 21, 2022.
  49. ^ a b c "Candidates for Secretary of State". Rhode Island Department of State. Retrieved July 2, 2022.
  50. ^ a b c "11/8/2022 Statewide General Election". South Carolina Election Commission. Retrieved April 7, 2022.
  51. ^ a b c "2022 General Election". South Dakota Secretary of State. Retrieved March 18, 2022.
  52. ^ a b c "2022 Primary Candidate Listing". Vermont Secretary of State. Retrieved May 28, 2022.
  53. ^ a b c d "Primary 2022". Washington Secretary of State. Retrieved May 28, 2022.
  54. ^ "Write-in Klippert". Retrieved 13 October 2022.
  55. ^ a b c d "Candidates on Ballot by Election". Wisconsin Elections Commission. Retrieved June 1, 2022.
  56. ^ Eavis, Victoria (17 May 2022). "Buchanan pursuing judgeship, not seeking second term". Casper Star-Tribune. Retrieved 17 May 2022.
  57. ^ "2022 Primary Election Candidate Roster" (PDF). Wyoming Secretary of State. Retrieved May 28, 2022.
  58. ^ "Wyoming Secretary of State Primary Election Results". NBC News. August 16, 2022. Retrieved August 16, 2022.