Chad Brown (North Carolina)

My name is Chad Brown. I am proud to be a loving father, a dedicated public servant, a former professional baseball player, and a Flint Groves Baptist Church member in Gastonia, NC.

As a father, I understand the importance of creating a better future for our children. Investing in our children and providing them with the necessary resources can build a stronger and more prosperous future for our state.

In addition to being a father, I have dedicated the past 15 years of my life to public service. I have served in various government roles, including as Mayor of Stanley (NC) and Chairman of the Board of Gaston County Commissioners. Throughout my career, I have strongly advocated for government transparency, accountability, and fairness. Government should work for the people, not the other way around, and I am committed to fighting for the rights and interests of every citizen in our state.

Before entering public service, I had the privilege of playing professional baseball for 11 years. This experience taught me the values of teamwork, perseverance, and discipline. I bring these qualities with me into my work as a public servant, always striving to find common ground and work collaboratively to achieve the best outcomes for our state.

As a Flint Groves Baptist Church member, I am guided by the principles of faith, compassion, and service to others.

• Establishing conservative, common-sense leadership in the Secretary of State office is crucial. We need a leader who prioritizes transparency, accountability, and efficiency in government operations. Additionally, I will institute a robust economic development initiative to attract businesses, create jobs, and foster a thriving economy. Together, we can build a stronger future for our state based on conservative principles and smart economic policies.
• As your Secretary of State, I will prioritize transparency and accountability, ensuring that government actions are open and accessible to the public. I am committed to eliminating wasteful spending and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used wisely and efficiently. Together, we can create a government that operates with integrity and fiscal responsibility, working towards a better future for all North Carolinians.
• I will tirelessly remove unnecessary burdens and cut red tape, creating an efficient and streamlined process for entrepreneurs and small businesses. I will also prioritize investigating and enforcing intellectual property rights, protecting the innovations and creations of our business community. Together, we can foster a business-friendly environment that encourages growth, innovation, and economic prosperity for all.

I am passionate about several areas of public policy that reflect these values and connect with the concerns of the people of our state. Here are two areas I am passionate about.

One area that is close to my heart is protecting and promoting the sanctity of life. I firmly believe in the value and dignity of every human being, from the earliest stages of life to natural death.

Fiscal responsibility and limited government are values that I hold dear. I believe in lowering taxes, reducing government spending, and eliminating unnecessary regulations hindering economic growth and entrepreneurship.

The North Carolina Secretary of State office possesses several unique and important qualities that make it a crucial part of the state government and legal system:

1. Business Services: The Secretary of State is responsible for maintaining the records of all businesses operating in the state. This includes registering new businesses, filing annual reports, and providing information and resources to support economic development and entrepreneurship.

2. Securities Regulation: The Secretary of State is responsible for regulating the securities industry in the state. They oversee the registration of securities offerings, licensing of securities professionals, and enforcing securities laws to protect investors and maintain fair and transparent financial markets.

3. Notary Public Commission: The Secretary of State grants and maintains the commissions of notaries public in the state. They ensure that notaries meet the qualifications and ethical standards required for the position, which is essential for legal document authentication and verification.

4. Uniform Commercial Code (UCC): The Secretary of State administers and maintains UCC filings, which provide a standardized system for recording security interests in personal property. This helps protect the rights of businesses and individuals in financial transactions.

5. Trademarks and Tradenames: The Secretary of State registers and maintains records of trademarks and tradenames used in the state. This protects intellectual property rights and helps businesses establish and protect their brands.

6. Lobbying and Ethics: The Secretary of State oversees the registration and regulation of lobbyists and promotes transparency and ethics in government. They maintain a registry of lobbyists and enforce lobbying laws to ensure transparency in the legislative process.

These unique responsibilities make the North Carolina Secretary of State office an essential state government and legal system component.

First and foremost, I believe in the importance of integrity. I am committed to acting ethically and honestly in my role and to always doing what is right, even when it may be difficult or unpopular.

Accountability is another key trait that I value. I understand that I am accountable to the people who elected me and take full responsibility for my actions and decisions. I am willing to be transparent and answer to the public for the choices I make.

Leadership is essential for making a positive impact. I believe in leading by example and inspiring others to achieve common goals. I am dedicated to setting a vision, making tough decisions when necessary, and collaborating with others to achieve the best outcomes for our community.

Knowledge and expertise are important for making informed decisions. I am committed to continuously learning and staying informed about the issues that affect our community. I believe that a well-informed elected official is better equipped to serve the public effectively.

Compassion and empathy are qualities that I hold dear. I genuinely care about the well-being of the people I represent and strive to understand and address their needs. I am dedicated to being responsive and accessible to the concerns of my constituents.

Collaboration and compromise are essential for achieving meaningful outcomes. I am committed to working with others, even those with differing viewpoints, to find common ground and make progress. Working together can accomplish more than we can individually.

Public service is a calling that I take seriously. I am committed to putting the community’s needs above personal gain or political agendas. I believe that serving the public is a privilege and a responsibility, and I am dedicated to positively impacting the lives of the people I represent.

 The North Carolina Secretary of State is more than just a government official. They are a dedicated public servant who connects with the people and ensures that their needs are met. They oversee a wide range of administrative and regulatory functions, all with the goal of creating a better North Carolina.

One of their key responsibilities is handling business services. They assist entrepreneurs in registering and filing their businesses, providing the necessary support and resources for success. Regulating securities protects investors and promotes a fair and secure financial market. And regarding trademarks and tradenames, the Secretary of State safeguards our state’s entrepreneurs’ creative ideas and innovations.

But it doesn't stop there. The Secretary of State also plays a vital role in ensuring fair elections and transparent campaign finance. They work tirelessly to uphold the integrity of our democratic process, giving every voter a voice. Maintaining records related to land ownership and transactions provides the necessary information and resources for individuals and businesses.

In all of these responsibilities, the Secretary of State keeps the people’s interests at heart. They strive to create a business-friendly environment, prioritize consumer protection, and ensure that our elections are fair and transparent. With their dedication and commitment, the Secretary of State is truly a bridge between the government and the people, working to build a stronger and more connected North Carolina.

The last song that stuck in my head was "I Can Only Imagine" by MercyMe. This powerful Christian worship song has resonated in my mind with its heartfelt lyrics and beautiful melody. It has been a constant presence, reminding me of the depth of God's love and the anticipation of meeting Him in heaven. The song's message of awe and wonder in the presence of God fills me with joy and inspires me to imagine the beauty and majesty of heaven. "I Can Only Imagine" has left a lasting impact on me, and its melody and lyrics continue to bring comfort and hope to my heart.

There are some lesser-known powers and duties that people should be aware of.

One such responsibility is the office's role in providing apostille and authentication services. This means that the Secretary of State's office certifies the authenticity of legal documents, such as birth certificates and educational transcripts, for international use. This is especially important for individuals who need to use these documents in other countries.

Another lesser-known responsibility is the regulation of charitable organizations and professional fundraisers. The Secretary of State's office ensures that these organizations comply with state laws when soliciting donations and registering as charitable entities. This helps protect donors and ensure that funds are used for their intended purposes.

In addition, the office maintains records of land grants issued by the state. These land grants have historical significance and provide valuable information about land ownership in North Carolina, dating back to the colonial era.

The Secretary of State's office also plays a role in enforcing notary public regulations. In addition to granting notary commissions, the office investigates complaints and takes action against notaries who violate the law or ethical standards. This helps to maintain the integrity of notarial services and protect the public.

Lastly, the office regulates business opportunities, which are sales or leases of business ventures that require an initial investment. The Secretary of State's office ensures that business opportunity sellers comply with disclosure requirements and protects consumers from fraudulent or deceptive practices.

These lesser-known powers and responsibilities of the North Carolina Secretary of State's office are important for providing valuable services and protections to the people of North Carolina.

Yes, having previous experience in government or politics can be highly beneficial for individuals holding the North Carolina Secretary of State office. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Knowledge of Government Processes: Prior experience provides a deeper understanding of how government processes work and the intricacies of bureaucracy. This knowledge enables the Secretary of State to navigate the system more effectively and efficiently.

2. Familiarity with Policy and Legislation: Experience in government or politics equips individuals with a solid foundation in understanding policy issues and the legislative process. This understanding allows the Secretary of State to advocate for policies that align with their goals and work collaboratively with lawmakers to implement them.

3. Established Relationships and Networks: Previous experience often means that the Secretary of State has cultivated relationships and built networks within the political landscape. These connections can be invaluable for collaborating with government officials, lawmakers, and stakeholders to achieve common objectives.

4. Understanding of Political Dynamics: Government and politics are inherently political, and prior experience provides insight into the political dynamics at play. This understanding enables the Secretary of State to navigate the political landscape, build consensus, and effectively communicate their initiatives to various stakeholders.

5. Ability to Hit the Ground Running: With previous experience, the Secretary of State can start their term with a higher level of knowledge and understanding of the responsibilities and challenges of the office. This allows them to be more effective from the beginning and make a meaningful impact sooner.

1. Strong Communication Skills: Effective communication is essential for the Secretary of State to effectively convey information, collaborate with stakeholders, and advocate for policies. Strong written and verbal communication skills are crucial for building relationships, explaining complex issues, and engaging with the public.

2. Knowledge of Government Processes: A deep understanding of government processes, including administrative procedures and legal frameworks, is vital for the Secretary of State. This knowledge helps navigate bureaucratic systems, implement policies, and ensure compliance with laws and regulations.

3. Leadership and Management Skills: The Secretary of State oversees various departments and functions within the office. Strong leadership and management skills are necessary to effectively manage staff, set priorities, and ensure efficient operations.

4. Knowledge of Business and Economic Development: The Secretary of State supports businesses and economic development. Having a solid understanding of business principles, economic trends, and the needs of entrepreneurs and small businesses is important for promoting economic growth and fostering a business-friendly environment.

5. Technology Proficiency: In today's digital age, proficiency in technology is essential for the Secretary of State. This includes knowledge of digital systems for business registration, online filing platforms, and data security practices. Keeping up with technological advancements ensures efficiency, accessibility, and security in the office's operations.

6. Commitment to Public Service: The Secretary of State is a public servant and should strongly commit to serving the people of North Carolina. This includes a dedication to transparency, accountability, and the highest ethical standards.

These skills and expertise, combined with a passion for serving the people of North Carolina, can help the Secretary of State effectively fulfill the office’s role.

Tim Moore (NC Speaker of the House); Brad Overcash (NC Senate)