For Immediate Release:
February 4, 2025
Contact: [email protected]
WASHINGTON: Today, the Democratic Association of Secretaries of State (DASS) announced its newly elected leadership board for the 2025-2026 election cycle, a pivotal election where democracy will be on the ballot in states across the country.
Chair: Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes.
Vice Chair: Connecticut Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas.
Treasurer: Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias.
At Large Board Member: Wisconsin Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski
At Large Board Member: Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon
With 26 Secretary of State offices up for election in 2026, DASS is preparing for competitive races in Georgia, Nevada, Arizona, Minnesota, New Mexico, and Michigan, among other battleground states. The stakes could not be higher, as voting rights and election security remain under threat from far-right extremists seeking to undermine democracy.
Adrian Fontes, Arizona Secretary of State and newly elected Chair of DASS, emphasized the urgency of the moment in issuing the following statement:
“Democratic Secretaries of State are the first line of defense against encroaching totalitarianism—and with no time to waste, DASS is hitting the ground running. It is mission critical that our democracy survives the next four years, and DASS will continue to lead in this fight. We’re going on the offensive—expanding the map and bringing new battleground states into play.”
Connecticut Secretary of State and incoming DASS Vice Chair, Stephanie Thomas, echoed that sentiment:
“I am incredibly proud to be a part of this organization. We will be taking the fight beyond traditional battlegrounds over the next two years, and we’re building the infrastructure now to compete in every single state and ensure that every voter’s voice is heard.”
That growing momentum is also fueling DASS’s fundraising efforts. Illinois Secretary of State and DASS’s new Finance Chair, Alexi Giannoulias highlighted the importance of grassroots support:
“We saw a tidal wave of grassroots energy in 2022 and made critical investments to capitalize and grow even further in 2024. Voters—Democrats, independents, and Republicans—understand that our democracy is at stake in these elections. That grassroots power is the key to raising the resources we need to win these races across the country—and fight back against the growing threat of Trump and his MAGA movement.”
DASS is preparing for an aggressive 2026 election cycle, with a Board stacked with Secretaries who know how to win tough, contested elections. Wisconsin Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski underscored the need for organizations like DASS against these unprecedented attacks on our democracy:
“Democracy is under threat like never before. In just a few weeks in office, Trump has already rolled back voting rights and election protections—with plans to go even further. Every eligible American has the right to vote, but without people standing up to Trump’s assault on democracy, those rights could vanish. Now is the time to fight for free and fair elections.”
A returning member of DASS’ board, Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon understands exactly what’s at stake—and the need for all hands on deck:
“In Minnesota, we take pride in our democracy—where every eligible voter is not just protected, but encouraged to vote. Democracy cannot exist without voters. We must ensure every American has access to free, fair, secure, and accurate elections.”
Eric H. Holder, Jr., the 82nd Attorney General of the United States and Chairman of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee (NDRC) praised the new leadership team:
“Each of these Secretaries of State represent a new generation of needed, transformative leadership in the Democratic Party, at a time when we need new ideas and new energy like never before. It is very clear now—our democracy is at risk. Their work—defending the rights of voters across the country—will be put to the test in ways we’ve never seen. I am confident that they are up to the many challenges they will face. I look forward to working with them in the struggle ahead.”