Virginia Secretary Of State

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The Virginia Secretary of State, officially known as the Secretary of the Commonwealth, is a critical role in the state’s executive branch, serving as a key member of the governor’s cabinet. As of February 2026, Candi Mundon King holds this prestigious position, having been appointed by Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger in December 2025.

Role and Responsibilities

The Secretary of the Commonwealth plays a multifaceted role in Virginia’s state government, with responsibilities that extend far beyond a typical administrative position. Key duties include:

  • Keeper of the State Seal: Responsible for maintaining and authorizing the use of the official Commonwealth seal
  • Appointments Management: Facilitating gubernatorial appointments to numerous state boards and commissions
  • Document Authentication: Authenticating official documents for both domestic and international use
  • Notary Public Commissioning: Overseeing the issuance of notary public credentials across the state
  • Rights Restoration: Managing the process of restoring civil rights for former felons

Unique Aspects of the Position

Unlike many state executive positions, the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth has some distinctive characteristics:

  • The position is appointed by the Governor, not elected
  • Serves a four-year term coinciding with the governor's administration
  • Maintains a unique transition protocol where the secretary remains in office for an additional week after a new governor's inauguration

Current Leadership: Candi Mundon King

Delegate Candi Mundon King brings a rich background to the role. Before her appointment, she served in the House of Delegates, representing parts of Prince William and Stafford Counties. Her professional experience includes:

  • Work in global philanthropy and advocacy
  • Previous roles at organizations like CARE and the Gates Foundation
  • Founder of the Sickle Cell Caucus and Black Maternal Health Caucus

Budgetary Insights

For the fiscal year 2026, the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office has been allocated a budget of $3,161,712, reflecting the critical nature of its administrative functions.

🏛️ Note: The Secretary of the Commonwealth plays a crucial role in ensuring government transparency and accessibility for Virginia's citizens.

How is the Virginia Secretary of State appointed?

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The Secretary of the Commonwealth is appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the state assembly for a four-year term.

What are the primary responsibilities of the position?

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Responsibilities include managing state appointments, authenticating documents, commissioning notaries, and assisting with rights restoration processes.

Who is the current Secretary of the Commonwealth?

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As of February 2026, Candi Mundon King serves as the Secretary of the Commonwealth, appointed by Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger.