Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs captured substantial bipartisan support from the Legislature to build robust election security and voter education.

His Information Security & Response Division defends our election system from the threat of cyberattack, providing 39 county election administrators with critical security support, and strengthens our partnerships with experts in national security and cyberwarfare. He established grants for county election administrators to invest in election security. The Information Security Grant Program helps counties purchase or upgrade their security software and hardware, hire IT security personnel, make structural improvements, and more. His specialized Information Response team counters election disinformation that can mislead voters and erode their confidence in our democratic institutions. Hobbs is a vigorous defender of voting rights and leads more concentrated education efforts through urban and remote communities to eliminate persistent barriers that keep eligible voters from the ballot.

In 2023, Hobbs was named Western Region Vice President of the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS). “I am honored to have been selected by my fellow secretaries of state to a national leadership role for our organization,” Hobbs said. “NASS is a vital partnership for states to share important innovations about elections, business support, and the many other critical services secretaries of state provide.”

Well-equipped to lead election administrators through security challenges and the current global climate, Hobbs studied and analyzed cyberattacks and information warfare at the Defense Information School (DINFOS) and the Command and General Staff College. He brings real-world experience working with the National Security Agency while on active duty.

Hobbs is deeply committed to the many diverse responsibilities, corporate and charity filings, and heritage programs of the Office of the Secretary of State. He secured critical resources for the State Library and the State Archives to move into a new Library-Archives Building, a future gathering place in Tumwater for researchers and visitors to access millions of historical, governmental, and vital records from a single location. Passionate about our state history and heritage, Hobbs is collaborating with our archivists and librarians to modernize how we can effectively share the story of Washington. He consistently stands with students, teachers and our practiced librarians in opposition to censorship of literary materials at our public libraries.

Hobbs is the proud son of a Japanese immigrant who raised him to work hard, value education, and serve others. He has worn the uniform for more than 30 years. Currently a Lieutenant Colonel in the Washington Army National Guard, Hobbs completed tours in Kosovo and Iraq. During the height of the pandemic, he commanded more than 750 members in Task Force Olympic, a Western Washington response mission to the COVID-19 pandemic.

During his long tenure in the Washington State Senate, Hobbs chaired the Transportation Committee. In that key role, Hobbs developed a reputation as a champion of bipartisanship, and led the statewide implementation of investments at the core of our transportation strategy.

Hobbs holds a master’s degree in public administration and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Washington. Honored with dozens of awards from civic and community organizations throughout his legislative and military service, Hobbs is humbled by the opportunity to lead such a vital office. He is the first person of color to serve as the Secretary of State.

Hobbs is only the second Washington Secretary of State born in Washington, the first being longtime Secretary Ralph Munro. A proud husband and father, Hobbs and his longtime wife, Pam, are raising their three sons.