Elaine Marshall
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Elaine F. Marshall (born 18 November 1945) is the current North Carolina Secretary of State; she is the first woman to be elected to that office.
Marshall was born in Lineboro, Maryland. She studied textiles at the University of Maryland from 1964 to 1968; during that time, she worked as a camping director for the Maryland 4-H Foundation during the summers. She taught in the public school system of Lenoir County, North Carolina for a year after graduation; then ran a book and gift store for five years before re-entering the first of education as an instructor at Lenoir Community College and Johnston Tehcnical Community College. At the same time, she was active in the Young Democrats organization.
Marshall returned to school to study law at Campbell University and earned her law degree in 1981. She rose to became a partner in a Lillington, North Carolina law firm in 1985 and chair of the Harnett County, North Carolina Democratic Party in 1991.
Marshall was first elected to public office in 1992 as a member of the North Carolina Senate. She ran for the post of North Carolina Secretary of State against Republican challenger and former stock car racer Richard Petty. Marshall was elected to a second term in 2000 and a third term in 2004. Marshall unsuccessful ran for the United States Senate in 2002; she was defeated in the Democratic primary by Erskine Bowles.
Marshall is married to Bill Holford; she has no biological children, but has five step-children by marriage.