Republican Michael Adams, who oversaw Kentucky elections through a global pandemic and at one point made a deal with the Democratic governor to promote voter participation, announced that he will seek another term as secretary of state in 2023.
Adams said he’s the candidate best suited to deal with any future election-related challenges, warning that the “wrong person” in the job could “do real harm to our election process.” His strong words appeared to be a preemptive shot at his own party’s anti-establishment wing, which could potentially recruit a challenger to Adams in the GOP primary next spring.
Secretary of state campaigns across the country are gaining increased attention following former President Donald Trump’s attempts to reverse the results of the 2020 election and his endorsements of candidates for state election offices who are sympathetic to his view.
During his term, Adams brokered a deal with Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear to try to protect Kentuckians while participating in the 2020 elections — before COVID-19 vaccines were available. The two have differed on other election issues during their terms.
Adams, who specialized in election law as an attorney, considered a run for attorney general in 2023 but opted to seek another four-year term as Kentucky’s chief election official. Adams was elected secretary of state in 2019, defeating former Miss America Heather French Henry.
The Associated Press
