Research the candidates running for NC secretary of state in the 2024 election
Two candidates are facing off to be North Carolina’s secretary of state in this year’s general election.
The incumbent, Elaine Marshall, a Democrat who has held the role for over 25 years, is running against Republican challenger Chad Brown.
Responsible for overseeing businesses, the secretary registers trademarks, manages land records and oversees legislative lobbyists.
Unlike in other states, North Carolina’s secretary of state does not serve as the chief election official. Instead, election administration is carried out by the bipartisan State Board of Elections appointed by the governor and an executive director that the board hires.
Marshall became the first woman elected to a statewide executive office in North Carolina when she became secretary in 1997. She is now running for her eighth term in office and did not face any Democratic primary opponents.
Brown, who currently works as the territory manager for a steel company, previously served as mayor for the town of Stanley and is chair of the Gaston County Board of Commissioners.
Candidate questionnaires
The News & Observer and The Charlotte Observer asked candidates for statewide office to fill out a candidate questionnaire.
Find responses from Marshall and Brown, and candidate for other offices, by visiting newsobserver.com/voterguide.
