Kentucky Secretary of State Race 2027: Who’s Running and What the Office Does
Last updated: Oct. 31, 2026
Quick answer: Kentucky’s secretary of state is the state’s chief election official. Michael Adams is term-limited, so the seat is open in 2027. Three Republicans have entered the race (Brad Holsclaw, Jack Whitfield, and Mike Harmon), and no Democrat had filed as of mid-October. The primary is May 18, 2027, and the general election is Nov. 2, 2027.
What does the secretary of state do?
The secretary of state is Kentucky’s chief elections official and chairs the State Board of Elections. Kentucky businesses also register with the secretary’s office. The office also oversees public notary commissions and election information. The job is elected statewide, so the winner will have a major role in how Kentucky runs its elections. Yahoo Newsspectrumnews1
Why the seat is open
Adams, a Republican, is term-limited in 2027. The race is one of several statewide constitutional offices on the 2027 ballot alongside governor. Republicans currently hold the other four offices: Attorney General Russell Coleman, Auditor Allison Ball, Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell, and Treasurer Mark Metcalf. All four are seeking reelection, and none had a challenger on file as of mid-October. politics1wvxu
The candidates
Brad Holsclaw (R)
Holsclaw is the son of Bobbie Holsclaw, who oversaw elections as Jefferson County Clerk for 27 years until her death last year. He launched his campaign over the summer and reported raising $260,000 last quarter, $250,000 of which was a personal loan to his campaign. wkyufmwvxu
Jack Whitfield (R)
Whitfield is a young Army veteran and attorney from Simpson County. He launched his campaign with a video promising to “stand with President Trump” and to require proof of citizenship to vote in Kentucky. He raised just over $100,000 last quarter, and a federal super PAC supporting him, the Freedom Soldier Fund, raised $225,000 in September. wvxuwvxu
Mike Harmon (R)
Harmon served two terms as state auditor and ran unsuccessfully for the GOP nomination for governor in 2023. Before that he served 13 years in the Kentucky House. He filed on Oct. 7, and his campaign says he’s the only candidate seeking the nomination with a proven conservative track record. He doesn’t have to report contributions until early next year, so his fundraising isn’t public yet. Rocky Adkins builds dominant fundraising lead in 2027 Kentucky governor’s race +3
Democrats
No Democratic candidate had filed with the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance as of mid-October. Candidates have until January to file for the 2027 races. wvxu
Key dates
Frequently asked questions
What does Kentucky’s secretary of state do?
The office is the state’s chief elections official, chairs the State Board of Elections, and handles business registrations and notary commissions.
Is Michael Adams running for reelection?
No. He’s term-limited and is not seeking another term. He recently announced he won’t run for governor and will back Rep. James Comer instead. wvxu
When is the 2027 primary?
May 18, 2027.
Who is running for secretary of state in Kentucky?
As of mid-October 2026: Republicans Brad Holsclaw, Jack Whitfield, and Mike Harmon. No Democrats had filed.
