If you’ve been following the news at all over the last few years, you’ve probably heard one name more than almost any other state official in the country. Honestly, it’s kinda rare for a state-level administrator to become a household name, but that’s exactly what happened here.
Brad Raffensperger is the Secretary of State of Georgia. He has been since 2019.
Most people know him because of a very famous phone call and a whole lot of election drama, but there is actually way more to the job—and the man—than just the 2020 headlines. Right now, in early 2026, he’s still the guy in the hot seat, though he’s currently eyeing a much bigger office.
Why Brad Raffensperger Is Still in the News
You might think the dust would have settled by now. It hasn't.
Brad Raffensperger is a Republican, but he’s basically spent the last several years at odds with the most famous leader of his own party. He first took office in January 2019 after a pretty standard election, but his world flipped upside down during the 2020 Presidential recount.
Remember the "find 11,780 votes" line? That was directed at him.
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Despite intense pressure, Raffensperger stood his ground, insisting the numbers were accurate. That choice made him a hero to some and a "RINO" (Republican In Name Only) to others. But here’s the kicker: he didn't just survive politically; he won re-election in 2022 by a landslide. Georgians seemingly liked the "boring" adherence to the rules.
Fast forward to today, January 2026. Raffensperger is still the Secretary of State of Georgia, but he’s officially running for Governor. He announced his bid for the 2026 gubernatorial race late last year, which means his time in the Secretary’s office is drawing to a close.
What Does a Secretary of State Actually Do?
People sort of assume this job is just about counting ballots. That is a huge part of it, sure, but it’s really only the tip of the iceberg. If you live in Georgia, you likely interact with his office without even realizing it.
Basically, the office is the "clerk" for the entire state.
The Elections Division
This is the big one. The Secretary of State is the Chief Elections Officer. This means his office:
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- Oversees voter registration (millions of people).
- Maintains the "My Voter Page" where you check your polling place.
- Certifies election results.
- Investigates claims of voter fraud or irregularities.
It’s a massive logistical nightmare that involves 159 different counties, each with their own local boards. Raffensperger’s tenure has been defined by the move to a new voting system that uses paper backups—a move he championed to increase security.
Business and Licensing
Think about the last time you saw a professional license on a wall. Maybe at your barber shop, your dentist's office, or your realtor's desk.
The Secretary of State’s office handles Professional Licensing Boards. They oversee over 40 different professions. If you want to be a licensed plumber or a nurse in Georgia, you go through them.
They also handle Corporate Filings. Every single LLC, corporation, or non-profit in the state has to register with this office. If you're starting a side hustle or a tech giant, your paperwork lands on a desk in this department.
The Securities and Charities Divisions
This is the "protector" side of the job. They regulate the stock market within the state (Securities) and keep an eye on charities to make sure they aren't just scams in disguise. They basically try to keep people from getting ripped off.
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The 2026 Governor's Race and the Future
Since Raffensperger is running for Governor, the 2026 election cycle is looking wild. He’s facing off against some heavy hitters in the Republican primary, including Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones and Attorney General Chris Carr.
Interestingly, Burt Jones was one of the "fake electors" from 2020, so the primary is essentially a rematch of the 2020 election philosophy.
What happens to the Secretary of State seat? Since he’s moving on, it’s a wide-open race. Gabriel Sterling, who was Raffensperger’s right-hand man and the guy who famously gave that "someone is going to get hurt" speech in 2020, is running to replace his boss. On the Democratic side, various candidates, including Fulton County commissioners, are jumping in.
Common Misconceptions
- "The Secretary of State can change vote counts." No, they really can't. They certify what the counties report. They can audit and investigate, but they don't have a "magic dial" for votes.
- "It's a federal job." Nope. Every state has one (except a few like Alaska and Hawaii where the Lt. Governor does the job), but they don't report to the U.S. Secretary of State.
- "They only work during election years." Tell that to the thousands of businesses waiting for their licenses. It’s a year-round operation.
How to Contact the Georgia Secretary of State
If you actually need to get something done—like renewing a license or checking your voter status—don't just Google "who is the secretary of state of georgia." Go straight to the source.
The official website is sos.ga.gov.
You can reach their main office in Atlanta at 404-656-2881. Just a heads up: they are usually swamped during election cycles, so using the online portals for business filings is always faster.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check Your Registration: If you are a Georgia resident, visit the My Voter Page (MVP) on the SOS website to ensure your address is current before the 2026 primaries.
- Verify Business Status: If you own a Georgia business, check your annual registration status. Missing a filing can lead to administrative dissolution of your company.
- Monitor the Primary: Keep an eye on the May 2026 primary dates. With Raffensperger running for Governor, the race for his current seat will determine how Georgia's elections are run for the next four years.