Kelly Grappe

Kelly Grappe earned a high school diploma from Sylvan Hills High School. She earned a bachelor's degree from Lyon College in 1993. Her career experience includes working as a business executive.[1][2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

The Arkansas Constitution declares, “All political power is inherent in the people.” Those words are the reason I’m running for Secretary of State.

The Secretary of State is entrusted with responsibilities that help Arkansans exercise that power—from administering elections and preserving public records to supporting the initiative and referendum process and serving Arkansas businesses. I believe this office exists to serve the people, guided by our Constitution.

My husband and I live on our family farm in White County. We chose Rose Bud to raise our daughter, whom I adopted through foster care, because we fell in love with our little town. And now I’m a proud GiGi of two sweet grandbabies. Faith, family, and community have shaped my commitment to public service.

I’ve spent more than 30 years leading people and organizations. I began my career with Alltel and later Verizon, where I became an executive leading an 800-person customer service organization. Today, I serve as Head of Learning & Development for a multi-state dental support organization. I also learned how to operate a farm and own a small business through a pandemic.

Through my work with Arkansas’ initiative and referendum process and civic education efforts, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for constitutional government. I’m running to strengthen trust through transparency, expand civic education, and ensure every Arkansan has the knowledge and confidence to participate in our democracy.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

People Over Politics. A Secretary of State who serves the People—not a political party.

I believe this office exists to serve the people of Arkansas, not a political party or political machine. This is a constitutional office with clearly defined responsibilities, and I will faithfully administer the law regardless of who benefits politically. Every eligible voter deserves to know that elections are conducted fairly, accurately, and consistently under Arkansas law. I will approach every decision with integrity, transparency, and respect for the Constitution because public trust is earned through transparency and principled leadership—not politics. This office belongs to the people.Restore confidence through transparent, professional election administration.

Confidence in elections comes from transparency, consistency, and competent administration—not rhetoric. Arkansas already has dedicated county clerks and election officials who work hard to conduct secure elections, and they deserve a Secretary of State who supports them. I will focus on practical improvements that strengthen public confidence: better voter education, modern technology where appropriate, clear communication, improved training for election workers, and transparency about how our elections are conducted. Every legal vote should be counted accurately, every voter should understand the process, and every Arkansan should be able to trust the outcomes.Modernize the Secretary of State’s office to better serve every Arkansan.

This office is much more than elections. It serves entrepreneurs starting businesses, nonprofits, notaries, public records users, and citizens interacting with state government every day. After more than three decades leading large enterprise organizations, managing complex operations, and improving customer experience, I know how to build systems that work for people. I will modernize business services, improve responsiveness, reduce unnecessary frustration, and expand civic education so Arkansans better understand not only how to vote, but how to participate in their government. My goal is simple: leave the office more efficient, more accessible, and more trusted.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m passionate about strengthening democracy by helping citizens understand and participate in it. That includes protecting the constitutional rights of initiative and referendum, expanding civic education, increasing voter participation, and ensuring elections are secure, transparent, and worthy of public trust. I’m equally passionate about making government work better for the people it serves—improving customer service, supporting Arkansas businesses, and helping every Arkansan navigate state government with confidence. I believe our strongest communities are built when informed citizens are engaged in public life.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I admire the everyday Arkansans who quietly serve their communities without seeking recognition. Throughout this campaign, I’ve met county clerks, volunteer firefighters, teachers, pastors, veterans, farmers, small business owners, public servants, community organizers, and neighbors who simply step up when their communities need them. Their example reminds me that leadership is about service, humility, and earning trust—not titles.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity, transparency, deep understanding of the job, commitment to public service, the Constitution, and the people of Arkansas.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The Secretary of State’s first responsibility is to faithfully uphold the Arkansas Constitution and serve the people. That means administering elections fairly and transparently, supporting county election officials, preserving the people’s rights of initiative and referendum, maintaining accurate public records, and providing excellent service to Arkansas businesses. I also believe the office should lead in civic education by helping Arkansans understand how their government works and how they can participate. My goal is simple: restore trust in the system, serve the people, and simplify processes.

What legacy would you like to leave?

My legacy isn’t about me. I hope it’s measured by the people of Arkansas. If more citizens are engaged in their communities, more young people see public service as a calling, more people understand their constitutional rights, and more Arkansans believe their voice matters, then I will have made a lasting difference.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was at Mazzio’s Pizza. I loved the people, but after spending plenty of time washing dishes for a few months, I realized the kitchen wasn’t where I wanted to build my future. I soon moved to a little greeting card store in the mall called Scribbles, where I discovered how much I enjoyed helping customers and working with people. Looking back, it was the first step toward a career in leadership and customer service.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

One of the greatest challenges of my life has been helping my daughter navigate the complexities of her early childhood after I adopted her through foster care. It taught me patience, resilience, and that every family has a story we may not fully understand. That experience deepened my compassion, empathy, and reinforced my belief that people deserve grace, support, and the opportunity to succeed, regardless of background.

What responsibilities of this office do you personally consider the most important?

The most important responsibility is faithfully upholding the Arkansas Constitution. That means administering elections that are secure, transparent, and trusted; supporting county election officials; protecting the people’s constitutional rights of initiative and referendum; and providing excellent service to Arkansas businesses. I also believe the office has a responsibility to strengthen civic education so more Arkansans understand how their government works and how they can participate.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

Most Arkansans know the Secretary of State oversees elections, but many don’t realize the office also serves on the Board of Apportionment, which redraws legislative district boundaries after each census. The office also manages business filings, maintains official records, and plays an important role in the initiative and referendum process. I believe helping citizens understand these responsibilities is one of the office’s greatest opportunities to strengthen public trust.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Arkansas AFL-CIO, Arkansas Education Association

What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?

One of the first major historical events I vividly remember was the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. Like millions of students across the country, I remember watching the launch at school and the shock of realizing something had gone terribly wrong. It was one of the first times I understood that history wasn’t just something in a textbook—it was happening in real time.

Campaign website

Grappe’s campaign website stated the following:

What This Campaign Is About

This campaign isn’t about party labels. It’s about public service.

It’s about restoring trust in an office that affects every voter, every business, and every community in Arkansas.

I believe the Secretary of State’s office should be steady, transparent, and accessible - and that Arkansans deserve clear information, fair administration, and respect for the law.

The Work of the Office

PROTECT THE VOTE

Fair, secure elections administered consistently - free from political pressure or favoritism.

SERVE ALL 75 COUNTIES

Clear guidance, reliable systems, and responsive support for every county - rural and urban alike.

LEAD WITH TRANSPARENCY

Plain-language information, open processes, and accountability in every function of the office.

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—Kelly Grappe’s campaign website (2026)[7]