Elaine Marshall

Elaine Marshall

Democratic Party

North Carolina Secretary of State

Tenure

1997 - Present

Term ends

2029

Years in position

28

Prior offices

North Carolina State Senate

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Compensation

Base salary

$146,421

Elections and appointments

Last elected

November 5, 2024

Education

Bachelor's

University of Maryland, 1968

Law

Campbell University School of Law, 1981

Personal

Religion

Christian: Methodist

Profession

Attorney

Contact

Official website

Official Facebook

Official Twitter

Official YouTube

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Twitter

Campaign Instagram

Personal LinkedIn

Elaine Marshall (Democratic Party) is the North Carolina Secretary of State. She assumed office on January 11, 1997. Her current term ends on January 1, 2029.

Marshall (Democratic Party) ran for re-election for North Carolina Secretary of State. She won in the general election on November 5, 2024.

Marshall completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Marshall is the first woman to be elected North Carolina secretary of state and the first woman elected to statewide executive office in North Carolina.

Biography

Elaine Marshall was born and raised in Maryland. She earned a B.S. in home economics from the University of Maryland in 1968 and a J.D. in 1981 from Campbell University School of Law. She was also given honorary doctorate degrees from Campbell University, Lees-McRae College, and Meredith College. Her professional experience includes teaching in the Lenoir County School System, running a book and gift store, teaching at the Lenoir Community College and Johnston Tech Community College, being the owner and decorator of the Custom House, working as an adjunct faculty member for the Trial Advocacy Program at Campbell University School of Law, working as an associate for the office of Edgar R. Bain in Harnett County, and working as a partner for two law firms.

Marshall was named National Committee Woman for the Young Democrats of North Carolina organization in 1974. She remained in that role until 1977 when she became National Secretary for the Young Democrats of America. She also served as the president of the Democratic Women's Committee and as the county’s Democratic Party Chairwoman. She went on to serve in the North Carolina State Senate from 1993 to 1996.

Political career

Below is a list of offices within Ballotpedia’s scope. Offices outside of that scope will not be listed. If an update is needed and the office is within our scope, please contact us.

Marshall's political career includes the following offices:

• 1997-present: North Carolina Secretary of State
• 1993-1996: North Carolina State Senate

Elections

2024

See also: North Carolina Secretary of State election, 2024

General election

General election for North Carolina Secretary of State

Incumbent Elaine Marshall defeated Chad Brown in the general election for North Carolina Secretary of State on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Elaine Marshall (D)	51.0	2,837,994
		Chad Brown (R)	49.0	2,722,794

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 5,560,788
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Incumbent Elaine Marshall advanced from the Democratic primary for North Carolina Secretary of State.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for North Carolina Secretary of State

Chad Brown defeated Christine Villaverde and Jesse Thomas in the Republican primary for North Carolina Secretary of State on March 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Chad Brown	43.3	373,166
		Christine Villaverde	30.0	258,569
		Jesse Thomas	26.8	230,829

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 862,564
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Darren Eustance (R)

Endorsements

To view Marshall's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Marshall in this election.

2020

See also: North Carolina Secretary of State election, 2020

North Carolina Secretary of State election, 2020 (March 3 Republican primary)

North Carolina Secretary of State election, 2020 (March 3 Democratic primary)

General election

General election for North Carolina Secretary of State

Incumbent Elaine Marshall defeated E.C. Sykes in the general election for North Carolina Secretary of State on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Elaine Marshall (D)	51.2	2,755,571
		E.C. Sykes (R)	48.8	2,630,559

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 5,386,130
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Incumbent Elaine Marshall advanced from the Democratic primary for North Carolina Secretary of State.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for North Carolina Secretary of State

E.C. Sykes defeated Chad Brown and Michael LaPaglia in the Republican primary for North Carolina Secretary of State on March 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		E.C. Sykes	42.9	296,457
		Chad Brown	38.0	262,595
		Michael LaPaglia	19.1	131,832

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 690,884
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

2016

See also: North Carolina Secretary of State election, 2016

Marshall ran for re-election as North Carolina Secretary of State. No Democratic candidates filed paperwork to challenge her in the primary, but two Republicans announced campaigns for the office: AJ Daoud and Michael LaPaglia. LaPaglia won the Republican primary and competed with Marshall in the 2016 general election.

Incumbent Elaine Marshall defeated Michael LaPaglia in the North Carolina secretary of state election.

North Carolina Secretary of State, 2016
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Elaine Marshall Incumbent	52.22%	2,339,783
	Republican	Michael LaPaglia	47.78%	2,141,132
Total Votes				4,480,915
Source: ABC11

2012

See also: North Carolina secretary of state election, 2012

Marshall ran unopposed in the Democratic primary contest. She won re-election in the general election against Ed Goodwin (R), who was the chairman of the Chowan County Board of Commissioners, on November 6, 2012.

North Carolina Secretary of State General Election, 2012
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Elaine Marshall Incumbent	53.8%	2,331,173
	Republican	Ed Goodwin	46.2%	2,003,026
Total Votes				4,334,199
Election results via NC State Board of Elections

Endorsements

• Equality NC Action Fund
• Charlotte Observer

2010

United States Senate
Elections, 2010
Primary election dates, 2010

Elaine Marshall advanced from the primary with Cal Cunningham. She defeated Cunningham in the primary runoff. Richard Burr defeated Marshall in the general election.

United States Senate, 2010
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Elaine Marshall	43%	1,145,074
	Republican	Richard Burr	54.8%	1,458,046
	Libertarian	Michael Beitler	2.1%	55,687
	Write-In	Various	0%	1,272
Total Votes				2,660,079

United States Senate, Democratic Primary Runoff Democratic Primary, 2010
Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Elaine Marshall	60%	95,390
Cal Cunningham	40%	63,691
Total Votes		159,081

United States Senate, Democratic Primary Democratic Primary, 2010
Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Elaine Marshall	36.3%	154,605
Cal Cunningham	27.2%	115,851
Ken Lewis	17%	72,510
Marcus W. Williams	8.5%	35,984
Susan Harris	7%	29,738
Ann Worthy	3.9%	16,655
Total Votes		425,343

2008

Elaine Marshall ran unopposed in the Democratic primary and won re-election in the general election.

North Carolina Secretary of State, 2008
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Elaine F. Marshall Incumbent	56.8%	2,316,903
	Republican	Jack Sawyer	43.2%	1,762,928
Total Votes				4,079,831
Election results via North Carolina State Board of Elections

2004

North Carolina Secretary of State, Democratic Primary, 2004
Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Elaine F. Marshall Incumbent	80.6%	327,848
Doris A. Sanders	19.4%	78,953
Total Votes		406,801
Election results via North Carolina State Board of Elections.

North Carolina Secretary of State, 2004
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Elaine F. Marshall Incumbent	57.3%	1,911,585
	Republican	Jay Rao	42.7%	1,423,109
Total Votes				3,334,694
Election results via North Carolina State Board of Elections

2000

Elaine Marshall ran unopposed in the Democratic primary and won re-election in the general election.

North Carolina Secretary of State, 2000
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Elaine Marshall Incumbent	54.4%	1,512,076
	Republican	Harris Durham Blake	45.6%	1,265,654
Total Votes				2,777,730
Election results via North Carolina State Board of Elections

1996

North Carolina Secretary of State, 1996
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Elaine Marshall	53.5%	1,333,994
	Republican	Richard Petty	45.2%	1,126,701
	Libertarian	Lewis B. Guignard	0.8%	20,734
	NL	Stephen Richter	0.5%	12,896
Total Votes				2,494,325
Election results via North Carolina State Board of Elections

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Elaine Marshall completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Marshall's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m Elaine Marshall, North Carolina’s Secretary of State, and I’ve spent my career focused on serving the people of this great state. Raised on a family farm in rural Maryland, I learned the value of hard work and community early on. After earning my Bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland, I moved to North Carolina, where I became a public school teacher and a small business owner. I went on to earn a law degree from Campbell University Law School, and as a practicing attorney, I gained a deep understanding of the challenges people face in navigating the law.

I’ve also had the honor of serving in the State Senate, where I led the passage of the landmark Marital Rape bill.

I was elected Secretary of State in 1996, becoming the first woman to hold this office and the first woman elected to North Carolina's Council of State.

As Secretary of State, I have continued my work in modernizing our office and making it easier for North Carolinians to start and grow businesses.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• We’ve worked tirelessly to streamline processes, cut red tape, and make it easier for entrepreneurs to thrive while ensuring transparency, cybersecurity, and access to critical resources.
• We're working everyday to empower local communities through targeted initiatives, like the Rural RISE program, which fosters sustainable growth and creates opportunities for entrepreneurship. By connecting rural businesses with essential resources, mentorship, and funding options, we can help them overcome challenges, enhance their competitiveness, and contribute to the overall economic vitality of North Carolina.
• As a former teacher, investing in education and workforce development is crucial for the economic revitalization of rural areas. By enhancing educational opportunities and providing training programs that align with local industry needs, we can equip our workforce with the skills necessary for the jobs of tomorrow, attract new businesses, and ensure that our rural communities can thrive in a rapidly changing economy.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I believe that fostering a robust environment for small businesses is essential for community growth & job creation - initiatives like Rural RISE help provide entrepreneurs with the resources they need to succeed.

In our increasingly digital world, protecting citizens' personal information & ensuring secure government databases is critical. I prioritize policies that enhance cybersecurity measures to safeguard our information & maintain public trust.

Help communities prepare for and recover from natural disasters is essential, especially for those in rural areas. I am committed to advocating for resources & strategies that enhance community resilience in the face of challenges like climate change & severe weather events.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

The office of the Secretary of State possesses several unique qualities that make it an essential part of the state government and legal system:

Administrative Authority: The Secretary of State serves as the chief administrative officer for a wide range of essential functions, including business registrations, maintaining a database filled with critical records, and consumer protections. This administrative authority ensures that the state operates smoothly and efficiently, providing necessary services to citizens and businesses.

Our office plays a crucial role in fostering economic development by simplifying the process for starting and operating a business. It provides resources and support for entrepreneurs, helping to reduce red tape and promote a business-friendly environment. This focus on economic growth is vital for creating jobs and enhancing the state's overall prosperity.

Our office manages important public records, including business filings, trademarks, and notary services. This role in maintaining transparency is critical for public trust and accountability, allowing citizens to access information about government actions and business operations.

As an attorney, the Secretary of State brings legal expertise to the office, ensuring that policies and procedures comply with state and federal laws. This legal background helps navigate complex regulatory environments and protects the interests of citizens.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

For a broader understanding of the interplay between governance and social responsibility, "The Audacity of Hope" by Barack Obama offers insights into the values of empathy, community service, and the importance of grassroots engagement in shaping policy. It reflects a vision of a government that serves the people, emphasizing the need for collaboration across different sectors of society.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Elected officials must demonstrate honesty and transparency in their actions and decision-making processes, building trust with their constituents.

Working effectively with others, including colleagues, community leaders, and constituents, fosters a cooperative environment that leads to better policy outcomes.

A genuine desire to serve the public and improve the lives of constituents should drive every elected official’s actions and priorities.

nderstanding the needs and concerns of the community is crucial. Elected officials should be approachable and responsive to the diverse perspectives of all constituents.

The ability to respond to changing circumstances and new information is crucial for effective governance. Elected officials should be open to innovation and willing to adjust strategies as needed.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Overseeing the registration and regulation of businesses, ensuring that the processes are efficient and accessible, and fostering an environment conducive to entrepreneurship and economic growth. Supporting initiatives that enhance the economic landscape of the state, especially in rural areas, through programs like Rural RISE, and fostering partnerships that connect businesses to essential resources.

Protecting citizens from fraud and scams, including overseeing financial solicitations, trademarks, and counterfeit products, while providing education on consumer rights.

Safeguarding important documents, including business filings, trademarks, and public records, while ensuring transparency and accessibility for citizens at no cost.

Promoting transparency and accountability in government operations, ensuring that the public has access to information and can participate meaningfully in the democratic process.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to leave a legacy of empowerment and opportunity, particularly through my work with 4-H. I believe in fostering the potential of young people iby equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to become future leaders. My involvement in 4-H has shown me the transformative power of hands-on learning, community service, and leadership development.

By promoting agricultural education, environmental stewardship, and community engagement, I hope to inspire the next generation to be proactive in addressing the challenges our state faces. I want my legacy to reflect a commitment to nurturing youth who are not only knowledgeable and skilled but also compassionate and dedicated to making their communities better.

Ultimately, I envision a future where every young person in North Carolina has access to opportunities that allow them to thrive, and I hope my work helps lay the groundwork for a more equitable and prosperous state.

What responsibilities of this office do you personally consider the most important?

I consider the responsibilities surrounding economic development and cutting red tape to be among the most important for the Secretary of State's office. One of the primary responsibilities of this office is to create an environment conducive to economic development. This includes facilitating business registrations and providing resources that support entrepreneurs and small businesses. By making it easier for businesses to start and thrive, we directly contribute to job creation and the overall prosperity of our communities.

Cutting red tape is essential to enhancing the efficiency of our state’s operations. By simplifying regulations and reducing unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles, we can help businesses navigate the system more easily. This not only saves time and resources for entrepreneurs but also fosters innovation and encourages investment in North Carolina.

Economic development initiatives are particularly critical in rural areas, where opportunities can be limited. By focusing on these regions through targeted programs and outreach, we can help ensure that all communities have access to the resources they need to succeed. This commitment to rural prosperity aligns with our goal of creating a balanced economic landscape across the state.

By fostering a business-friendly environment and reducing barriers to entry, we can encourage innovation and entrepreneurship. This can lead to the development of new industries and technologies that drive economic growth a

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

One of the unique responsibilities of the Secretary of State's office is to engage in partnerships and play a crucial role in international trade initiatives.. This includes fostering relationships with foreign countries to promote trade, investment, and cultural exchange. My involvement in initiatives in Moldova, for instance, has highlighted the importance of this role. Through partnerships and collaborative projects, we can help support emerging democracies and promote good governance.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes - Experience provides essential insights into the workings of the political system, helps in navigating the complexities of public policy, and fosters relationships with other government officials and stakeholders. A background in government equips the Secretary of State with a deeper understanding of the needs and concerns of constituents, enabling them to advocate effectively for policies that promote economic development, transparency, and accountability. Additionally, prior experience can enhance the ability to lead initiatives, manage staff, and ensure the office functions efficiently to serve the public effectively.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

A strong understanding of laws and regulations is essential for ensuring compliance and interpreting legal requirements, especially concerning business registration, trademark protection, and election oversight.

Effective leadership is crucial for managing staff, overseeing operations, and ensuring the office runs smoothly.

Familiarity with public policy processes and issues, particularly those related to economic development, small business support, and regulatory reform, allows the Secretary of State to advocate effectively for necessary changes.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

North Carolina AFL-CIO

Communication Workers
Sierra Club
Emily's List
End Citizens United

Police Benevolant Association

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I believe that transparency and accountability are foundational principles for a healthy democracy and effective governance.

Would a state ballot initiative process be good or bad for your state?

The state ballot initiative process could have both positive and negative implications for North Carolina.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

2020

Elaine Marshall did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

Campaign finance summary

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Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

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Elaine Marshall campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2024*	North Carolina Secretary of State	Won general	$1,876,993	$1,338,115
2012	NC Secretary of State	Won	$687,284	N/A**
2008	NC Secretary of State	Won	$228,039	N/A**
2004	NC Secretary of State	Won	$353,134	N/A**
2000	NC Secretary of State	Won	$365,124	N/A**
1996	NC Secretary of State	Won	$346,561	N/A**
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

Personal

Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
Elaine Marshall currently resides in Harnett County, North Carolina. She has been married twice - first to Solomon Marshall and then to Bill Holdford; both died as a result of cancer. She has no biological children, but has five stepchildren and seven grandchildren. She is a practicing Methodist, belonging to the Divine Street Methodist Church located in Dunn, North Carolina.

Awards:

Lifetime Achievement Award from the North Carolina 4-H Club Distinguished Attorney Award from the North Carolina Association of Women Attorneys Common Cause North Carolina Leadership in Government Award Women’s Equality Award from the North Carolina Association of Educators Lifetime Achievement Award for Women in Business (2005) from the Triangle Business Journal March Fong Eu Achievement Award (2006) from the National Notary Association Eta State Founders Award (2007) from the Delta Kappa Gamma Society Distinguished Service as a State Government Official Award (2007) from the United States Chamber of Commerce

Other roles

Member, North Carolina College of Advocacy Vice President, Campbell University School of Law Alumni Association Board of Directors, Harnett County United Way President, Harnett County Bar Association Board of Directors, North Carolina 4-H Development Fund, Incorporated Chair, Harnett County Democratic Party North Carolina Courts Commission, Juvenile Code Study Commission Board of Directors, North Carolina Justice Academy Foundation Board of Directors, North Carolina Center for Public Policy Research Board of Directors, North Carolina Institute of Political Leadership Chair, Electronic Commerce Work Group Board of Directors, National Association of Secretaries of State Board of Trustees, Meredith College Board of Directors, National Electronic Commerce Coordinating Council Chair, National Secretaries of State Standing Committee on Business Services & Licensing Member, American Academy of Trial Lawyers Member, American Bar Association Member, Delta Theta Phi Legal Fraternity Board of Directors, Latin American Resource Center Board of Directors, North Carolina 4-H Development Fund, Incorporated Governor/Member, North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers Member, North Carolina Association of Women Attorneys Member, North Carolina Bar Association Member, North Carolina Local Government Commission Member, North Carolina State Bar

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Footnotes

Political offices
Preceded by -	North Carolina Secretary of State 1997-Present	Succeeded by -
Preceded by -	North Carolina State Senate 1993-1996	Succeeded by -