Democrat Penny Brown Reynolds has won Georgia’s 2026 secretary of state election, defeating Republican state Rep. Tim Fleming and becoming the first Black woman elected to the position in Georgia history.
The Associated Press called the race Tuesday, November 3, at 10:40 p.m. ET, projecting Reynolds as the winner of one of Georgia’s most closely watched statewide contests.
Her victory marks a significant political shift, returning the secretary of state’s office to Democratic control for the first time in nearly 20 years.
Reynolds will succeed Republican Brad Raffensperger, who chose not to seek reelection and instead pursued an unsuccessful campaign for governor.
Although Reynolds is the first Black woman elected to the office, she is not the first to serve. Robyn Crittenden briefly held the position in 2018 after being appointed by Republican Gov. Nathan Deal.
A former Fulton County judge, Reynolds brings extensive experience in law, public administration and civil rights. She previously served as executive counsel to former Georgia Gov. Roy Barnes and held senior civil rights positions at the U.S. Department of Agriculture during President Joe Biden’s administration.
Throughout her campaign, Reynolds emphasized protecting voting rights, expanding voter access, strengthening election security and restoring public confidence in Georgia’s election system.
Fleming, a Republican state representative and former deputy secretary of state, campaigned on election integrity, changes to Georgia’s voting equipment and greater oversight of election administration.
As secretary of state, Reynolds will oversee Georgia’s elections, voter registration and certification of statewide results. The office also manages business registrations, professional licensing and securities regulation.
Her election comes as Georgia continues to debate election security, voting procedures and potential changes to the state’s voting equipment ahead of the 2028 presidential election.
Reynolds is scheduled to take office in January 2027, becoming Georgia’s 30th secretary of state and assuming responsibility for one of the state’s most consequential constitutional offices.
