GOP Secretary Of State Activated, Deployed With National Guard

Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose has been activated for service with the Ohio Army National Guard. A spokesperson for his office has confirmed . LaRose, who serves as the state’s top elections official, is currently fulfilling duties with his National Guard unit while continuing to perform his responsibilities as secretary of state

LaRose, 46, has a long record of military service. After graduating from Copley High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1998 at age 18 and served for approximately 10 years on active duty. He began with the 101st Airborne Division and later qualified for and joined the 19th Special Forces Group, where he earned the Green Beret.

His service included deployments to Kosovo, Iraq, and a counter-narcotics mission along the U.S.-Mexico border. He rose to the rank of sergeant first class and received the Bronze Star, along with other commendations, for actions in a combat zone during his Iraq deployment.

In March 2021, after a 12-year break from military service, LaRose rejoined the Army Reserve. In January 2026, he transferred to the Ohio Army National Guard to rejoin his former special forces unit. His activation with the Ohio Army National Guard was announced this week.

Specific details about the unit’s assignment, location, duration of duty, or exact role have not been released as of this report.

Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose speaking at the 2025 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.
Photo: Gage Skidmore

The spokesperson, identified in reporting as Kindel, also addressed the continuity of operations in the secretary of state’s office.

Ohio’s Revised Code Section 111.04 provides that the assistant secretary of state shall act on behalf of the secretary if the secretary is unable to perform the duties of the office. “At this time, that has not been necessary.” LaRose has continued to carry out his duties as secretary of state,” the statement added.

LaRose, who was first elected in 2018, is running unopposed in the Republican primary and is currently slated to seek a third term in the 2026 midterm elections.

RELATED: Trump Extends Iran Deadline As Talks Continue Amid Ongoing Conflict