Three Candidates Will Run for Arkansas Secretary of State
Voters will choose the next secretary of state on November 3, 2026.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Elections
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Three candidates are set to compete for the position of Arkansas Secretary of State in the upcoming election on November 3, 2026. Voters will choose between candidates representing the Democratic, Republican, and Libertarian parties.
Why it matters
The secretary of state oversees critical administrative and electoral functions for Arkansas. This election determines who will manage these state-level operations starting in the next term.
The race features three candidates running for the position of Arkansas Secretary of State. The outcome of the election remains unknown until ballots are cast on November 3, 2026.
The players
Kim Hammer
He is the Republican candidate who has represented District 16 in the Arkansas State Senate since 2018.
Kelly Grappe
She is the Democratic candidate running for the office of Arkansas Secretary of State.
Michael Pakko
He is the Libertarian candidate who works as the chief economist for the Arkansas Economic Development Institute at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
The details
The candidate field includes Kelly Grappe for the Democrats, Kim Hammer for the Republicans, and Michael Pakko for the Libertarians. The trio participated in recent interviews for 40/29 On the Record to discuss their platforms.
Timeline
2018: Kim Hammer was first elected to the Arkansas State Senate.
November 3, 2026: The general election date for the secretary of state race.
Political Context
Opponents in the race may challenge the candidates on their specific visions for election integrity and state business filings. This competition serves as a formal public debate over the administrative priorities that fall under the Arkansas Secretary of State's election administration duties.
The winner of this election will oversee state voting systems and corporate registration processes that affect all Arkansas residents and businesses. Taxpayers should monitor how each candidate intends to manage the resources and mandates assigned to the secretary of state office.
The takeaway
Voters should review the platforms of all three candidates to understand their differing approaches to managing state elections and records. Evaluating these candidates helps ensure the public understands who will direct these essential administrative functions.
What happens next
The general election is scheduled to take place on November 3, 2026, at which point the final results will be determined by the voters of Arkansas.
Further reading
For more on the upcoming vote, visit the Elections section of our site.
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