Iowa Secretary of State

2 candidates · General election, November 3, 2026

What this office does

Usually the state's chief elections officer: certifies candidates and results and keeps the voter rolls. Also registers businesses and keeps official state records.

Candidates

Paul D. PateIncumbent

Republican
Slightly right · from their state-legislature votes (Shor–McCarty)

Ryan Peterman

Democrat
No public record found yet to place this candidate.

Filled dots are published academic scores; hollow dots are AI estimates from the candidate's own public record. How placements work.

See every race and measure on your ballot in Iowa, from your address. Your address stays in your browser.Look up my ballot

Also on Iowa ballots

All Iowa races and measures →

Quick answers

Who is running for Iowa Secretary of State in 2026?
Paul D. Pate (Republican) and Ryan Peterman (Democrat).
Who is the incumbent?
Paul D. Pate currently holds this office.
What does this office do?
Usually the state's chief elections officer: certifies candidates and results and keeps the voter rolls. Also registers businesses and keeps official state records.
Who should I vote for in the Iowa Secretary of State race?
SpectrumVote doesn't endorse anyone or tell you how to vote. Compare each candidate's record, funding, outside spending and endorsements on this page, then decide based on the issues that matter most to you. Enter your address at spectrumvote.com to see this race next to everything else on your ballot.
When is the election?
The general election is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Early voting and mail-ballot deadlines vary by state; check your state or county election office.

Not sure how to decide? Read our nonpartisan guide to the Iowa ballot.