Election Oversight and Trump’s Influence: 2024 Secretary of State Races

The upcoming secretary of state races in pivotal battleground states, including Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, and Nevada, are significantly shaped by President Donald Trump’s calls to “nationalize” elections and his perpetual claims of electoral fraud. Democratic candidates emphasize safeguarding the electoral process as a central theme in their campaigns, bringing attention to Trump’s past actions and recent administrative decisions, such as litigation over state voter rolls and the FBI’s search of an election hub in Atlanta.

In preparation for the 2022 elections, Democrats are adapting their strategies, aware of the heightened stakes with Trump back in the political arena. Arizona’s Secretary of State, Adrian Fontes, emphasizes the importance of recognizing those who peddle election falsehoods. Fontes, running for re-election, points out that once fringe figures now wield significant political power, highlighting the challenge this poses to fair election practices.

Fontes is currently challenged by Republican state representative Alexander Kolodin, who was part of an alternative group of Trump electors in 2020. Kolodin’s campaign reflects ongoing efforts to support Trump’s electoral grievances. Although not officially endorsed by Trump, Kolodin has been noted for his legal challenges to the 2020 results in Arizona.

Georgia presents another high-stakes contest, spurred by Trump’s continuing influence and the FBI’s inquiry in Fulton County regarding past election practices. Candidates include Democrats such as Dana Barrett, who has been assertive in opposing Trump’s narrative, and Republicans like Gabriel Sterling and Vernon Jones. Sterling, who has been vocal against federal intervention in state elections, contends against Jones, a strong proponent of Trump’s election claims.

In Michigan, current Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson’s refusal to overturn the 2020 election results placed her in the national spotlight. The Democratic candidate pool includes Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist and County Clerk Barbara Byrum, both spotlighting Trump as a democratic threat. Meanwhile, Republicans like Anthony Forlini accuse widespread noncitizen voting, a claim refuted by Benson’s administration.

Nevada’s secretary of state race features incumbent Democrat Cisco Aguilar against Republican Sharron Angle, who has previously contested Biden’s 2020 win citing alleged fraud. Angle’s campaign pledges adherence to Trump’s executive orders on election integrity.

The stakes in these races are underscored by the possibility of significant influence over future elections, especially the consequential presidential election in 2028. Joanna Lydgate of States United Action highlights the rampant “election denial tactics” that remain robust, noting that Trump’s strategies have even more tools at their disposal as 2026 approaches.