Bryan Norris

Bryan Norris (Republican Party) is running for election for Arkansas Secretary of State. He declared candidacy for the Republican primary scheduled on March 3, 2026.^[source]

Norris completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Bryan Norris was born in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He served in the U.S. Army from 2001 to 2022. He earned a high school diploma from Trumann High School and a graduate degree from the University of Maryland in 2024. His career experience includes working as a project manager. Norris has been affiliated with the Kiwanis Club.^[1]

Elections

2026

General election

The primary will occur on March 3, 2026. The general election will occur on November 3, 2026. General election candidates will be added here following the primary.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Arkansas Secretary of State

Kelly Grappe is running in the Democratic primary for Arkansas Secretary of State on March 3, 2026.

		Candidate
	Submit photo	Kelly Grappe

	There are no incumbents in this race.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Arkansas Secretary of State

Kim Hammer, Cathy Hardin Harrison, and Bryan Norris are running in the Republican primary for Arkansas Secretary of State on March 3, 2026.

		Candidate
		Kim Hammer
		Cathy Hardin Harrison
		Bryan Norris

	There are no incumbents in this race.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Endorsements

To view Norris's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. To send us an endorsement, click here.

Campaign themes

2026

Ballotpedia survey responses

Bryan Norris completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Norris' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Bryan Norris. I was born and raised in Trumann, Arkansas, and grew up in a working-class family that taught me the value of faith, hard work, and integrity. I went on to serve our nation for over 20 years in the U.S. Army, including multiple combat tours, retiring at the rank of First Sergeant.

During and after my military service, I earned degrees in Management Studies and Transformational Leadership from the University of Maryland and continued serving my community as Vice Chair of the Independence County Republican Party and State Committee Representative for Arkansas’s 1st Congressional District.

I’m running for Secretary of State because Arkansans deserve a government that serves the people not political insiders. I believe in secure elections, transparent government, and restoring trust in the systems that uphold our democracy. My life has been about service whether in uniform or in public and I intend to bring that same sense of duty and accountability to the Secretary of State’s office.

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?

Restore Trust in Our Elections Arkansans deserve elections that are transparent, verifiable, and accountable. I will work to ensure every legal vote counts and that every Arkansan can trust the outcome without question.
Government That Serves the People Public office is not a career it’s a responsibility. I’ll cut through bureaucracy, eliminate political favoritism, and make the Secretary of State’s office work for everyday Arkansans, not political insiders.
Service Before Self After 20 years of military service, I’ve learned leadership means doing what’s right especially when it’s hard. I’m running to continue that service, defending your voice, your vote, and your values.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m passionate about restoring trust in our elections, protecting individual liberty, and renewing the moral and civic health of Arkansas. I’m deeply concerned about the future of our state and nation and believe we must return to integrity, accountability, and faith in public life. As a proud supporter of MAHA Make Arkansas Healthy Again I believe a tru Arkansas begins with strong families, secure elections, and leaders who put service before self and the people above politics.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

The Office of Secretary of State is unique because it sits at the intersection of our democracy, economy, and government transparency. It touches nearly every Arkansan, whether through elections, business filings, or public records. This office safeguards the foundation of trust that holds our state together. It is not just administrative; it is constitutional, serving as the gatekeeper for how power is transferred, how businesses are born, and how citizens engage with their government.

What makes this role so important is that it requires both integrity and independence. The Secretary of State must stand apart from political influence and operate with absolute fairness. I am not a politician, and that is my greatest strength. I come with a detached perspective that allows me to see things differently, unburdened by political ambition or party agendas. I have no interest in climbing the political ladder or using this office as a stepping stone. My commitment is one office and done.

That independence gives me the freedom to focus solely on serving the people of Arkansas. I will not make decisions based on what is popular, but on what is right. The Secretary of State’s office demands a servant leader who values principle over politics, transparency over secrecy, and results over rhetoric.

My goal is to restore confidence in this institution and ensure it represents the people, not political insiders. With a clear mission, honest leadership, and a firm belief in accountability, the Secretary of State can help rebuild the trust that is essential for a healthy state government. The work of this office must always begin and end with the people it serves.

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

I look up to the average man who gets up every day and does what needs to be done for his family, especially when he doesn’t feel like it. The man who works hard, sacrifices, and provides without complaint or recognition. He doesn’t make excuses or chase attention; he just shoulders his responsibilities and keeps moving forward because it’s what has to be done. That quiet strength and sense of duty represent the best of who we are as Americans. I strive to live by that same example to serve, to provide, and to do the right thing even when no one is watching

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

An elected official must lead with integrity, courage, and humility. Character matters more than credentials. Public service should be about protecting the people’s trust, not pursuing personal gain. I believe in accountability, transparency, and doing what’s right even when it’s hard or unpopular. Leaders must listen before they speak, serve before they seek recognition, and remember they work for the citizens, not the system. True leadership means standing firm in faith, guided by principle, and never forgetting who we represent.

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

The Secretary of State’s most important responsibility is to protect the integrity of Arkansas elections and preserve the people’s trust in their government. This office must serve as a guardian of both our democratic process and the public’s confidence in it. Every legal vote must count, and every Arkansan should know their elections are secure, transparent, and fair. As Secretary of State, I will strengthen oversight, improve training for election officials, and increase public visibility into how elections are conducted from start to finish.

Beyond elections, the Secretary of State also serves as the foundation for commerce in Arkansas. This office helps businesses incorporate, register, and operate with confidence. I believe in making that process faster, simpler, and more reliable for entrepreneurs and job creators. Government should never be a barrier to success but a partner that helps citizens pursue opportunity.

The Secretary of State is also the steward of our public records, archives, and the physical seat of state government. That responsibility carries with it an obligation to transparency, efficiency, and accountability. Citizens have the right to easily access information about their government and trust that it is being managed with integrity and diligence.

Ultimately, the core duty of the Secretary of State is to uphold the rule of law and serve the people with honor. This office should reflect the very best of Arkansas faithful stewardship, clear accountability, and service before self. I intend to bring the same discipline and sense of duty I learned over 20 years in the U.S. Army to ensure that the Secretary of State’s office always works for the people of Arkansas, never the political establishment.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want my legacy to be that I served with integrity and left things better than I found them. I want my children and future generations to know that I stood for truth, faith, and freedom when it mattered most. My goal is to help restore trust in our government, protect the right of every Arkansan to have their voice heard, and remind people that leadership is about service, not power. If, when it’s all said and done, people can say I was a man who honored God, loved his family, and served his state with courage and conviction, then I will have done my job.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The first historical event I remember was the fall of the Berlin Wall. I was seven years old in 1989 and can still picture the news coverage showing people climbing and tearing it down. Even as a child, I was struck by how desperate people were to reach freedom and how powerful that desire was. It made a lasting impression on me and taught me that walls cannot contain the human spirit when people are determined to live free. That moment shaped how I view liberty, courage, and the will of ordinary people to change history.

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

My first job was working construction for my family. I started at the age of eight, hauling lumber, mixing concrete, and learning the value of hard work long before most kids my age even had an alarm clock. That experience taught me discipline, responsibility, and the satisfaction that comes from seeing a job through to completion. I worked in construction until I left for the U.S. Army at nineteen. Those early years shaped my work ethic and gave me a deep respect for the men and women who build things with their hands and their hearts.

What is your favorite book? Why?

My favorite book is Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. It’s a powerful reminder that leadership begins with self-discipline and integrity. Aurelius wrote it not for others, but to hold himself accountable to his own principles, and that honesty resonates with me. His words teach that we can’t control the world around us, only our response to it, and that true strength comes from mastering ourselves before trying to lead others. The book has guided me through challenges in military service and in life, reminding me that character is built in quiet moments of reflection and proven through consistent action.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

If I could be any fictional character, I would choose Aragorn from The Lord of the Rings. He leads with humility, strength, and a deep sense of duty. Aragorn never seeks power for its own sake; he accepts responsibility because others need him to. He walks the hard road without complaint, earns respect through action, and stays true to what is even when it costs him. His story is one of quiet leadership, service before self, and the courage to stand firm when others falter values I try to live by every day.

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

One of the greatest struggles in my life has been watching career politicians destroy the nation and state that so many of my friends gave their lives to defend. I’ve seen firsthand the cost of freedom, and it’s painful to watch people treat it carelessly or trade it for personal gain. The sacrifices made by those who never came home deserve more than empty promises and self-serving politics. That struggle fuels my determination to stand up, serve again, and fight to restore honesty, accountability, and respect for the people who make this country worth defending.

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

The most important responsibility of the Secretary of State is protecting the integrity of our elections and ensuring that every Arkansan can have complete confidence in the process. The right to vote is sacred, and the system that protects it must be fair, secure, and transparent. Nothing matters more to the health of our state and nation than the people’s ability to trust that their vote truly counts.

I believe this office must be more than an administrator of elections; it must be a guardian of democracy. That means enforcing election laws without favoritism, maintaining accurate voter rolls, certifying results with precision, and creating an open environment where citizens can see for themselves that our elections are honest and reliable.

Another key responsibility I consider vital is managing the business and commercial services of the state. Entrepreneurs and small businesses are the backbone of Arkansas, and this office should make it easier, not harder, for them to succeed. I want to modernize systems, cut red tape, and provide the kind of responsive service that helps Arkansans build and grow their livelihoods.

Finally, the Secretary of State is the keeper of our public records and the custodian of transparency in government. That is not a ceremonial duty; it is an ethical one. Citizens deserve open access to information about their government, and they should never have to fight to see how their tax dollars are being used.

For me, the most important part of this office is not the power it holds but the trust it must earn. My duty will be to protect that trust every single day, serving the people of Arkansas with honesty, accountability, and the same dedication I gave during my twenty years of military service. I will treat the responsibilities of this office as a sacred trust, not a political opportunity.

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

Yes, there are several important responsibilities of the Secretary of State that most Arkansans rarely hear about, yet they directly affect how our government functions and how our history is preserved. One of the most overlooked is the role of the Secretary of State as the official keeper of the State Seal and the custodian of all acts of the Governor and the General Assembly. This responsibility makes the office a constitutional safeguard for record integrity, ensuring that official actions of government are documented accurately and preserved for the public.

Another lesser-known duty is the maintenance of the Capitol grounds and the supervision of Capitol security. The Secretary of State is responsible for both the physical safety and the symbolic heart of Arkansas government. Managing the Capitol is not just about maintaining buildings; it is about protecting a place that represents the voice of the people and the history of our state.

Few realize that this office also plays a critical role in civic education. The Secretary of State provides resources to schools, organizes programs that teach students about democracy, and helps cultivate an informed and engaged citizenry. In a time when many feel disconnected from government, that outreach is more important than ever.

Lastly, the Secretary of State manages the process of citizen-initiated petitions and ballot measures. This authority gives the people a direct way to shape their government and must be exercised with fairness, clarity, and full transparency.

I believe Arkansans should know that the Secretary of State’s office touches nearly every part of their civic life. It is not just about elections or paperwork; it is about safeguarding history, protecting public access, and upholding the principles of self-government. My commitment is to make these responsibilities more visible and ensure they are carried out with integrity, accuracy, and respect for the people.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

I do not believe it is necessary for someone holding this office to have previous experience in government or politics. In fact, I believe it can often be a disadvantage. Too many career politicians lose touch with the people they serve. They make decisions from behind a desk and never have to live with the real-world consequences those decisions create. At some point, they need to step away from government and experience the effects of their own policies as everyday citizens do.

Public office should never be a lifelong career. It should be an act of service. When people spend too long inside the system, they start serving the system instead of serving the people. I come from outside the political establishment, and that gives me a clear, honest perspective. I understand how government decisions impact families, small businesses, and communities because I have lived it, not just studied it.

What this office truly needs is leadership rooted in integrity, humility, and accountability, not political experience. It needs someone willing to ask hard questions, challenge the status quo, and make government work for the people again. Experience in politics often teaches compromise for convenience; experience in life teaches courage and conviction.

If elected, I will bring the lessons I learned over two decades of military service and from real life outside of politics. I am not looking for my next political job or career opportunity. I believe in one office and done. My goal is to restore the Secretary of State’s office to what it was always meant to be—a place of service, stewardship, and honesty. The people of Arkansas deserve officials who live by the laws they help enforce and understand the impact of their actions beyond the walls of the Capitol.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

The most helpful skills for the Secretary of State to possess are leadership, integrity, and the ability to manage complex systems with discipline and fairness. This office touches almost every part of state government, from elections to business services to recordkeeping, and it requires a leader who can make decisions that affect millions of people with accuracy, accountability, and courage.

The Secretary of State must be both a servant and a steward. Strong leadership means having the ability to organize teams, manage large-scale operations, and maintain calm under pressure. Those are skills I developed over more than twenty years in the U.S. Army, where success often depended on clarity, precision, and the willingness to take responsibility for outcomes. The same principles apply here.

Integrity is equally essential. The person in this office must be trusted by citizens across the political spectrum. That trust is earned by telling the truth, enforcing the law without favoritism, and refusing to play political games. The Secretary of State must be firm enough to make unpopular decisions when they are the right ones and humble enough to admit mistakes and correct them.

This office also requires an understanding of business and technology. Arkansas depends on efficient systems to register companies, process filings, and safeguard data. Modernizing those systems and protecting them from security threats is not just a technical task; it is a matter of public confidence.

Finally, the most important skill is listening. The Secretary of State must listen to the people, to county clerks, to small business owners, and to those who feel unheard. Leadership is not about titles or power; it is about service. The best person for this role is not the one with the most political experience but the one who understands mission, teamwork, and accountability. Those are the qualities I bring, and they are what Arkansas needs most.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

General Mike Flynn

Colonel Conrad Reynolds
Justice Michael Gableman
Sen. Bryan King
Sen. Wendy Rogers
Sen. Mark Fenchem

Mike Lindell

Do you support or oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative process? If so, what kind of changes would you consider?

I believe the ballot initiative process is one of the most important rights the people of Arkansas have. It gives citizens a direct voice in shaping their government when elected officials fail to listen. I support keeping that process open, accessible, and transparent while ensuring it remains secure and free from outside manipulation. Any changes should strengthen the people’s voice, not silence it.

One area that needs serious reform is the way our state handles primary elections. Right now, Arkansas taxpayers pay for the primaries of political parties, yet those same parties charge some of the highest filing fees in the nation. That is wrong. If the people are paying for the elections, then the process should belong to the people, not the political parties that profit from it. The current system allows parties to build wealth while citizens foot the bill, and that creates a barrier for everyday Arkansans who want to run for office.

I would like to see legislation that brings fairness and accountability to this system. Either the political parties should pay for their own primaries, or filing fees should be capped at a reasonable level that reflects the true cost of the process. Elections should never be a pay-to-play system. Public service must be about merit, not money.

The ballot initiative and primary systems both belong to the people, and both must serve the same purpose: giving Arkansans real representation and real choice. When citizens lose access to the process or when financial barriers favor the well-connected, democracy suffers. As Secretary of State, I will fight to protect the people’s right to petition, ensure transparency in campaign and filing practices, and make the election system work for every Arkansan, not just those with money or influence.

Candidates hear many personal stories from voters. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching or memorable?

The story that has touched me most isn’t from one person it’s the same story I hear everywhere I go. People are fed up and feel completely disconnected from their government. They’re tired of politicians who make promises, win elections, and then do the exact opposite once they’re in office. Every conversation seems to carry the same frustration: families who work hard but see their freedoms shrinking, small business owners buried under red tape, and parents worried that their children will have fewer opportunities than they did.

What moves me most is that Arkansans haven’t given up. They still believe we can do better that our state can lead instead of lag behind in education, healthcare, and opportunity. For too long, we’ve been at the bottom in the areas that matter most while leading in crime and poverty. We are better than this, and we deserve better than this. That belief, echoed by so many, is what drives me to serve.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

Every soldier I took down range came home.

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Campaign finance summary

Campaign finance information for this candidate is not yet available from OpenSecrets. That information will be published here once it is available.

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Candidate

Arkansas Secretary of State

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Footnotes

↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on November 4, 2025

[1] Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on November 4, 2025

[1]

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Bryan Norris

Contents

Biography

Elections

2026

General election

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Arkansas Secretary of State

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Arkansas Secretary of State

Endorsements

Campaign themes

2026

Ballotpedia survey responses

Campaign finance summary

See also

External links

Footnotes

Information about voting

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2026 Elections

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