Secretary of State Iowa in Statewide, Iowa

2026 Primary Election

• Paul D. Pate — Incumbent Secretary of State in Des Moines, IA

  Paul Pate is running for re-election as Iowa Secretary of State. A nationally recognized small business leader, he is currently serving his third term and is guided by principles of service, participation, and integrity. His priorities include ensuring election safety and security, making it easy to vote but hard to cheat. Key achievements and policy positions include instituting online voter registration, implementing voter ID requirements, establishing a Safe at Home program for survivors of violence, making it easier for military members to vote, and enhancing election cybersecurity. He advocates for the importance of voting and states' responsibility in election administration.

• Ryan Peterman — Candidate for Iowa Secretary of State in IA

  Ryan Peterman, a former Naval Officer and lifelong public servant, is campaigning for Iowa Secretary of State in the 2026 Democratic primary. He is the only Democrat running for the office, advocating for nonpartisan leadership to ensure fair, secure, and accessible elections. Peterman aims to restore honor and integrity to the office, enhance faith in Iowa elections, and revitalize small business services. His campaign has garnered significant grassroots support across the state, setting a record for fundraising in the year before the election.