Pate and Peterman Will Face Off for Secretary of State
The Iowa Secretary of State election this November will feature incumbent Paul Pate and challenger Ryan Peterman.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Elections
Live Poll
Should local election procedures prioritize expanded voting access over additional security measures?
In the upcoming November 2026 election, Iowa voters will decide between incumbent Secretary of State Paul Pate and Democratic challenger Ryan Peterman. The candidates offer distinct visions for the role, which oversees statewide elections and business services.
Why it matters
The race highlights a debate over election administration, with the candidates split on how to balance ballot access and security measures in the state. Their differing approaches reflect broader discussions on voter accessibility versus integrity safeguards.
Incumbent Paul Pate has served 15 years as Secretary of State. The office manages election integrity through measures like paper ballots, voter ID requirements, and post-election audits.
The players
Paul Pate
He is the incumbent Iowa Secretary of State and a former mayor of Cedar Rapids who has held his current office for 15 years.
Ryan Peterman
He is a candidate for Iowa Secretary of State and a former Navy helicopter pilot.
The details
Incumbent Paul Pate highlights his tenure, which includes the launch of the Iowa Businesses Against Trafficking coalition and the Safe at Home address confidentiality program. Challenger Ryan Peterman, a former Navy helicopter pilot, proposes making Election Day a state holiday and expanding voting hours to improve poll worker recruitment and voter access.
Timeline
In May 2026, the Secretary of State's office provided voter registration lists to the U.S. Department of Justice.
The election for the office of Iowa Secretary of State is scheduled for November 2026.
Political Context
The candidates' debate over voter list management and registration security follows the implementation requirements set by the National Voter Registration Act of 1993. Opposition advocates for Peterman argue that stricter ID mandates and security policies may suppress turnout among certain demographics.
The winner of the November election will determine the administration of future voting processes and the oversight of business filings across the state. Residents may see changes in election day operations or registration procedures based on which candidate secures the office.
The takeaway
Voters in Iowa are presented with a choice between the status quo of a long-serving incumbent and a challenger proposing structural changes to the voting calendar. Understanding the specific policy differences regarding election access is essential for participating in the November vote.
Further reading
Learn more about the upcoming ballot initiatives and races in Iowa Elections.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KDSM.
Live Poll
Should local election procedures prioritize expanded voting access over additional security measures?
