All articles tagged with #secretary of state
Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins declined to certify a referendum petition aimed at forcing a statewide vote on the new congressional map, calling it unconstitutional and leaving the Missouri First map in effect; supporters plan to challenge the ruling in court.
Missouri’s secretary of state rejected a citizen petition to force a statewide referendum on the GOP-drawn U.S. House map, ruling that congressional redistricting cannot be subject to a public vote. Supporters plan legal challenges and had submitted signatures that qualified under state rules, but the decision effectively allows the new districts to be used in primaries. The secretary also rejected a separate measure to strengthen the initiative process. The dispute adds to the nation’s mid-decade redistricting battles and could spill into the 2026 elections.
The Maine Secretary of State’s Office says it will not weigh in on whether Troy Jackson is eligible under the sore-loser law, leaving the issue to the parties; Jackson remains on the ballot for now, with opponents arguing the law could bar him after losing the gubernatorial primary, pending possible court action.
Hartman, Colo., a town of 30 in southeast Colorado, has been declared abandoned after all elected officials resigned, leaving no one to operate a failing water system. State officials say the town cannot fix water infrastructure or hold elections, and residents face a boil advisory and non-potable water. The abandonment order shifts ownership of local streets to the county and transfers water infrastructure to an entity focused on water treatment or delivery.
Republican state Rep. Alexander Kolodin won the GOP primary for Arizona secretary of state, defeating former party chair Gina Swoboda and advancing to a November race against Democratic incumbent Adrian Fontes. Kolodin has repeatedly questioned past election results and led lawsuits to overturn the 2020 and 2022 elections in Arizona; he is backed by Turning Point USA and several GOP lawmakers. He frames the secretary of state role as a vehicle for greater election transparency and says more observers at polling places are needed to restore trust in Arizona elections.
Vernon Jones, a high-profile election denier who switched from Democrat to Republican, lost the Georgia secretary of state runoff to state Rep. Tim Fleming. With 42% of vote tallies in, Fleming led about 65% to 35%. Fleming, aligned with Gov. Kemp and wary of endorsing Trump’s election lies, has pushed for tighter voting rules and backed paper-ballot measures, while Jones’ campaign leaned on Trump-era rhetoric from his “Stop the Steal” days and his self-styled “Black Donald Trump.” The race underscored intra-party tensions over election integrity and Georgia’s voting policy direction.
Georgia voters cast ballots in primary runoffs with live results showing John Cowan (R) projected winner in GA-7 and Tony Kozycki (D) in GA-7; Tim Fleming (R) won the GOP nomination for Secretary of State while Penny Brown Reynolds (D) won the Democratic nomination for Secretary of State; Rick Jackson vs Burt Jones will head to a GOP runoff for a November slot, and the Senate race will see either Mike Collins or Derek Dooley advance to face Jon Ossoff; more than 1 million votes had been cast by 5:45 p.m. with polls closed around 7 p.m.
Nevada’s primary day proceeds with mostly mail voting and in-person turnout, but the secretary of state’s office briefly exposed testing results to The Nevada Independent’s server before polls closed. Officials say it was a secure testing environment and that results won’t be released until after the last voter in line at 7 p.m., as reporters continue to track turnout and issues across counties.
The 2026 midterm elections will feature key races for secretaries of state in battleground states, which are crucial for overseeing election processes and could influence the 2028 presidential race. These roles have gained importance due to their power to certify results and the recent political attacks on election integrity, making them a focal point for safeguarding democracy.
Ric Grenell, a loyal Trump ally and former ambassador to Germany, sought to become Secretary of State in Trump's administration but was ultimately passed over for Florida Senator Marco Rubio. Despite Grenell's efforts, including a proposed social media campaign to boost his candidacy, Trump chose Rubio, rewarding his vice-presidential contender. Grenell, who turned down other roles, remains a significant figure in Trump's circle, with potential future opportunities. The situation highlights the complex dynamics of loyalty and strategic positioning within Trump's political sphere.
Senator Marco Rubio, once a vocal critic of Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign, has been nominated by Trump as Secretary of State, highlighting his shift from opponent to loyalist. This evolution reflects the broader transformation within the Republican Party under Trump's influence, as Rubio, a seasoned politician with extensive experience in foreign relations, aligns himself with Trump's administration.
Marco Rubio, a prominent Republican senator from Florida, has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as Secretary of State, marking a significant milestone in his political career. Known for his strong foreign policy stance and deep religious convictions, Rubio's nomination has been well-received. If confirmed, he will become the first Latino to hold this position, navigating complex global challenges. Rubio's journey includes a notable return to Catholicism and a history of political resilience, including mending ties with Trump after a contentious 2016 primary.
President-elect Trump has nominated Sen. Marco Rubio for Secretary of State, sparking mixed reactions within the GOP. While some Republicans and Democrats support the choice, the MAGA wing is disappointed, having preferred Richard Grenell. The nomination prompts Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to select Rubio's Senate replacement, with speculation around Lara Trump as a potential candidate. Despite internal disagreements, Rubio's nomination aligns with Trump's foreign policy stance, particularly on China and Iran.
President-elect Donald Trump has selected Senator Marco Rubio as his nominee for Secretary of State. Rubio, a Republican from Florida, is the son of Cuban immigrants and has served three terms in the U.S. Senate. Known for his working-class background, Rubio has a diverse religious history and a passion for football. He previously ran for president in 2016, where he clashed with Trump but later supported him. Rubio is vocal about foreign threats, particularly from China, and has held significant roles in Senate committees on intelligence and foreign relations.
Donald Trump has selected Marco Rubio as his choice for Secretary of State, marking a significant appointment in his administration's cabinet.