Elaine Marshall

Elaine is North Carolina’s Secretary of State. She made history by being the first woman elected to statewide executive office in 1996, when she defeated legendary NASCAR driver Richard Petty. Elaine Marshall was born in rural Lineboro, Maryland in 1945. Her father was a farmer who served as a volunteer fire fighter and community leader, while her mother was the organist in the family’s small rural church for more than 60 years. Elaine earned her law degree from Campbell University in 1981 and distinguished herself as a tough advocate for her clients in the courtroom, where she represented women who were victims of domestic violence. In 1993-1994, Elaine served in the North Carolina Senate, where she was named Rookie of the Year. Elaine is a member of the Divine Street United Methodist Church in Dunn. She has five step-children and seven grandchildren.