I’ll help you create a blog post about the Virginia Secretary of State using the specified guidelines. I’ll first use a web search to gather some accurate and current information. Based on the search results, I’ll craft the blog post about the Virginia Secretary of State:
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?
+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?
+Responsibilities include managing state appointments, authenticating documents, commissioning notaries, and assisting with rights restoration processes.
Who is the current Secretary of the Commonwealth?
+As of February 2026, Candi Mundon King serves as the Secretary of the Commonwealth, appointed by Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger.